Police believe a father fatally shot his 21-year-old daughter before killing himself inside a home in Philadelphia. The bodies of a 58-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman were found on August 15 at a property on the 2800 block of Mercer Street in the city's Port Richmond neighbourhood.
Police called after no contact
Officers were called to the property at around 1.30pm local time after no one had heard from the residents. Both individuals had gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead at the scene.
The woman has been named as Riley Aine Costello by family members and a local university, while her father has been named locally as Jeffrey Costello. Police have not released their identities.
Investigation ongoing
The Philadelphia Police Department said last month that it was investigating the deaths as a murder-suicide, with the father believed to have shot his daughter before turning the gun on himself.
Inspector DF Pace previously said: "What might have motivated a father to turn the gun on his daughter and then on himself, it is still under investigation at this time." Investigators believe the shooting took place several days before the bodies were discovered.
Community and university react
The tragedy shocked local residents in the quiet neighbourhood. "It's shocking, surprising, very much so," one person told NBC10 Philadelphia in August. "This little nook, this little area right here is very quiet, so very family oriented."
Riley was studying neuroscience in the School of Arts & Sciences at Holy Family University, according to a public obituary on the Legacy website. Her family described her as a "beautiful, funny, outgoing, spontaneous" woman with "a personality that was impossible to ignore".
The obituary reads: "Riley was deeply loved by her mother, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, extended family, and friends. Riley will be remembered for her beautiful smile, infectious laughter, adventurous spirit, and zest for life. Her life was a gift, and may we carry that gift forward by sharing the love and light she brought into the lives of others."
In a statement on Tuesday, Holy Family University said: "We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Riley Costello, a student in the School of Arts & Sciences. Those who knew Riley will remember her bright, energetic presence on our campus and her kind soul, which left a lasting impression on all who crossed her path. She was a valued member of our Holy Family community, and her presence will be deeply missed."
The investigation into the deaths remains ongoing.
