PA Couple Beat To Death With Hammer Attacker Sets Self On Fire After Also Killing 4 Animals

DOUGLASSVILLE, PA. (THECOUNT) — 60-year-old Ira Reed Jr. and 63-year-old Joanne Deluca were beat to death with a hammer in the living room of their Douglassville, PA, home and their attacker, believed to be a family member, killed four family pets before fatally setting himself aflame in the garage.

Authorities say, the Berks County couple were beaten to death with a hammer before 5:30 p.m. Saturday in Union Township by a third person – who has not officially been identified.

The suspect then died after setting himself on fire in home’s garage area.

State police in Berks County say DNA tests are being done to identify the third person, who died of smoke inhalation after using an accelerant to set himself on fire, reports FOX29.

The suspect is also believed to have killed two dogs and two cats.

Authorities have not yet determined the horror killed to be a triple-murder-suicide.

Neighbors said the couple and an adult son moved there several years ago from southern New Jersey after losing his home during Superstorm Sandy.

DEVELOPING::

Geo quick facts: Douglassville is a census-designated place in Amity Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania, United States. Douglassville is situated along U.S. Route 422 and Pennsylvania Route 724. Developments include the Amity Gardens subdivision, the West Ridge subdivision, the Briarwood subdivision, and the High Meadow subdivision – Wikipedia.