MT. LEBANON, Pa. — A memorial along Florida Avenue in Mt. Lebanon continues to grow, one day after two children and their father died in what’s believed to be a murder-suicide.
Classmates of James Lynch, 8, and his sister, Caroline, 6, honored their lives by bringing flowers, stuffed animals, candles, and even slime – one of Caroline’s favorite toys.
Some people dropped to their knees in prayer. Others simply couldn’t find the words.
“I’m so speechless what happened,” said Grace Siton, whose young daughter, Georgia, was James’ classmate at Markham Elementary School in the Mt. Lebanon School District.
“He was smart,” Georgia told us.
Caroline’s classmates at Washington Elementary School told us how outgoing she was on the school playground.
“She was just so nice, so sweet, so wonderful, so lovely,” one classmate said. “She would just like walk up to anybody, and just say hello and start interacting.”
Both schools were closed Wednesday to allow families, students, teachers, and faculty time to grieve. Tributes also poured in on social media, remembering James and Caroline as “magical” and “fierce,” – saying they’ll always be a part of the South Hills community.
“I’m thinking about just all of the families who are maybe holding their loved ones and their kiddos a little extra. I feel like my heart just goes out to them,” said Tess Roth, who lives in the South Hills.
The Mt. Lebanon Library planned to welcome a therapy dog for children at 7 p.m. Wednesday night.
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