Gunfire in Ebensburg, Pa., home kills 3

EBENSBURG, Pa. (AP) — Authorities in Cambria County say an exchange of gunfire between a divorced couple claimed the lives of three people in what they believe was a double murder-suicide.

County Coroner Dennis Kwiatkowski said David Gerlach, 42, took a handgun when he went to the Cambria Township home late Saturday or early Sunday. Debra L. Gerlach, 41, who was living in the home, also had a gun, he said.

“They exchanged gunfire at some point,” Kwiatkowski said.

Kwiatkowski said Paul Demetri, 44, of Berwyn Heights, Md., was in the residence, and both he and Debra Gerlach suffered “numerous” gunshot wounds. Authorities say they believe Gerlach shot both then turned the gun on himself.

Cambria Township police were called to the home just before 3 a.m. Sunday and found the three dead, according to the Tribune-Democrat of Johnstown. An obituary submitted to the paper said the Gerlachs had four children.

Kwiatkowski said the children were staying at David Gerlach’s home in Ebensburg at the time of the shootings and are now in the care of their mother’s family.