A 16-year-old boy managed to call 911 before dying from gunshot wounds in a murder-suicide that claimed four family members on January 12, 2025. The shootings occurred around 8:30 p.m. in North Sewickley Township, Pennsylvania, located about 40 miles north of Pittsburgh, according to Beaver County District Attorney Nate Bible.
Police responding to the 911 call found Clifford Hunt Sr., 51, and Michelle Hunt, 48, dead at the scene from gunshot wounds to the head in their Shaffer Road home. Their sons, Clifford Jr., 19, and Cody, 16, were airlifted to a Pittsburgh hospital in critical condition, where both later died, Bible said.
Bible indicated that while investigations were ongoing, preliminary evidence suggested a murder-suicide scenario. According to North Sewickley Township Police Chief Jeff Becze, all family members were known to be avid hunters, and he confirmed through previous conversations with them that hunting was a common topic. Becze also noted his prior knowledge of multiple firearms being kept in the residence.
Initial reports of screams brought additional officers to the rural property, but investigators determined the sounds came from the family’s farm animals. The North Sewickley Township Police Department later confirmed the situation was “contained” with no ongoing threat to the public.
“It’s not only one tragedy but it’s four all at the same time, and I can’t imagine how many lives are ruined over this,” said Autumn Ashurst, who had delivered ducks to Michelle Hunt just hours before the shootings. “She was over the moon about getting ducks. She had a whole spot set up for them.”
The Hunt family had earned community-wide recognition for their dedication to animals, with Ashurst adding that the family was universally appreciated and heavily involved in animal care, maintaining a deep affection for their creatures. Following the incident, local farmers came together to establish a system for caring for the family’s livestock and pets.
Cody Hunt, a junior at Riverside High School, was a member of the National Honor Society and played saxophone in the marching band. He had recently earned his pilot’s license and volunteered at the Air Heritage Aviation Museum alongside his mother Michelle. The teenager had plans to apply to the United States Air Force Academy.
In an online tribute, the Air Heritage Aviation Museum praised Michelle Hunt as one of their most dedicated volunteers, noting her consistent cheerful demeanor and strong work ethic. The museum’s statement also mentioned the shared pride between mother and son regarding Cody’s accomplishments.
Riverside School District Superintendent David Anney announced that grief counselors and therapy dogs would remain available to students and staff throughout the month. The district established a memorial scholarship for students pursuing aviation careers in Cody’s name.
Community support has grown significantly, with a GoFundMe page raising nearly $40,000 for funeral expenses. The Air Heritage Museum announced plans for a memorial to honor Michelle and Cody’s contributions to the organization.
District Attorney Bible said the investigation continues as authorities work to determine a motive. The Beaver County Medical Examiner’s office expects to release final autopsy reports within 30 days. Investigators are interviewing family, friends, and associates while evidence from the scene undergoes analysis.
