Cops in Pennsylvania have arrested a young man for shooting his own sister several times in the head.
Pretty Linnette Ayala, 22, was allegedly shot dead by her own brother Joel Ayala Jr., 20, in the 2900 block of Spring Valley Road, East Hempfield Township.
The incident took place late on Thursday, 10th March.
Cops were called to the scene by the victim’s father, who allegedly found his daughter dead in the garage.
The police reportedly found the victim “partially wrapped” in “bedding” after arriving on the scene, by which point the suspect had left the property.
According to the first police report, Linnette Ayala “appeared to have sustained traumatic injury from an apparent assault”.
Lancaster County Coroner Dr Stephen Diamantoni later revealed that the victim was struck in the head by several bullets.
After being shot, she went into cardiac arrest and then stopped breathing.
The victim’s father told the cops that he had found several cleaning items near the spot where he found his daughter.
The police also reported finding bloodstains on bedsheets in the victim’s bedroom.
The East Hempfield Township Police Department has reported that the suspect, following his arrest, the details of which were not given, has admitted to the crime.
The motive for the killing remained unknown at the time of reporting.
The Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office has since approved a charge of criminal homicide against the suspect.
An online fundraiser to cover funeral expenses had raised over USD 13,000, exceeding its goal of USD 10,000 (www.gofundme.com/f/unexpectedly-gone-to-soon-at-22).
The investigation is ongoing.