Pottstown Man Killed Wife, Self In Murder-Suicide: DA

POTTSTOWN, PA — A husband shot and killed his wife in Pottstown before turning the gun on himself in a murder-suicide Monday morning, police announced.

The incident occurred inside a home on Chestnut Street in Pottstown. The District Attorney's Office said that it was captured on home video surveillance.

The video shows Edward Thornton, 42, arguing with his wife, Carla Forde, 46, police said. The argument escalates, and Thornton then begins brutally beating the victim until she's unconscious, according to the DA.

Thornton then goes upstairs, gets a gun, shoots Forde, and shoots himself, police said.

An investigation from the Montgomery County Detective Bureau and Pottstown Police revealed that Thornton had a history of domestic violence.

Police responded to the scene after a neighbor reported shots fired in a 911 call.

The Montgomery County Coroner's office will conduct autopsies of the bodies later Monday.

“My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of the victim,” District Attorney Kevin Steele said in a statement. “This is yet another domestic violence or relationship homicide in Montgomery County. If you are living in a violent situation at home, please call for help."

Victims of domestic violence can call the Laurel House hotline at 800-642-3150 or the Women’s Center of Montgomery County hotline at 800-773-2424.