Police: Attempted Murder in Paoli Leads to Attempted Suicide

John Richard Berry (Photo courtesy of Tredyffrin Township Police)

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An attempted murder in Paoli late Saturday night ultimately lead to a suicide attempt, Tredyffrin Township Police said Sunday morning.

Tredyffrin Police were called to a home on the 100 block of Summit Avenue in Paoli around 11:45 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, on a report of a shooting.

There police found a “seriously injured gunshot victim,” John R. Williams of Paoli, who told police that a family member had shot him during a dispute.

Police tracked the suspect, John Richard Berry, to another home on the same block. When police arrived, Berry “discharged his .38-caliber revolver numerous times, ultimately shooting himself in the head,” Tredyffrin Police said.

Paoli Ambulance and Malvern Medic #4 responded to the scene, and both men were taken to Paoli Hospital.

Williams underwent surgery and was listed in very critical condition Sunday morning.

Berry, 70, of the 7200 block of Limeklin Pike in Philadelphia, also was listed in very critical condition, with a gunshot wound to the head.

Tredyffrin Township Police were assisted at the scene by Easttown Township Police; Malvern Police; Willistown Police; and East Whiteland Police. Additionally, Chester County District Attorney Thomas P. Hogan, First Assistant District Attorney Michael G. Noone and Chester County detectives all responded to the crime scene, which police said was more than a block long.

The dispute and subsequent shootings appears to have been over financial matters, Tredyffrin Township Police Superintendent Anthony Giaimo said.

The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to contact the Tredyffrin Township Police Detective Division at 610-644-3221.