This story was updated at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021.
A husband and wife are dead after both were shot Wednesday morning outside an apartment complex in McCandless.
Allegheny County authorities identified the woman who was killed was Molly Beardsley, 25, of Allison Park. Her cause of death was later ruled a suicide by the county medical examiner. The man was identified as Liam Donavon Mascarenas, 23, of Lakewood, according to authorities. The county medical examiner’s office said Thursday evening that Mr. Mascarenas’ death was “self-inflicted.”
County police said no one else was involved in the shooting and that “there is no danger to the community.”
County police Lt. Venerando Costa said Wednesday that police “cannot at this time” say if the shooting is being investigated as a murder-suicide or if the shooting was reciprocal.
Police said a 911 call made around 8:15 a.m. Wednesday indicated that a person was not breathing behind a dumpster in the parking lot behind a building in the 700 block of Duncan Avenue. The parking lot where the shooting happened is part of the The Club at North Hills apartment complex.
When responders arrived, Mr. Mascarenas was already dead from a gunshot wound. Ms. Beardsley, who was shot in the head, was taken to a hospital in critical condition but died shortly before 10 a.m., police said.
Police said neither Mr. Mascarenas nor Ms. Beardsley was a resident of the apartment complex. It’s unclear why they were at that location. The apartment building sits directly behind the McCandless Crossing shopping center.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the toll-free county police tip line 833-ALL-TIPS (833-255-8477). Callers can remain anonymous.
Assistance to prevent suicide can be found by calling The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The lifeline provides free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources, and best practices for professionals.
First Published: December 1, 2021, 3:01 p.m.
Updated: December 2, 2021, 6:05 p.m.
