An argument over shoveling snow turned deadly when a man killed his two neighbors before ending his own life.
The shooter, Jeffrey Spaide, got into an argument with his across-the-street neighbors James and Lisa Goy on Monday morning in Plains Township in Pennsylvania.
Witnesses say that the Goys were shoveling snow outside their home, and Spaide became upset upon seeing that snow was being thrown at his property.
Plains Township Police Chief Dale Binker said in an interview that after the argument, Spaide went into his house, retrieved a handgun, and came back outside firing multiple shots “at close range” at the Goys.
He then proceeded to go back into his house and took out an AR-style rifle.
“He retrieved the rifle and shot them again,” said Plains Township police Sgt. Michael Smith.
When authorities arrived at the scene, they heard a single gunshot coming from Spaide’s house.
According to Binker, the police believe Spaide was killed by a self-inflicted gun shot.
“Apparently there’s been an ongoing dispute between neighbors, some of which involved a dispute about snow disposal and removal,” said Luzerne County First Assistant District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce.
“They’re across the street from each other, and when they would remove snow they would throw it across the street at the other person’s property.”
Binker revealed that this is not the first argument between Spaide and the Goys over snow.
A snowstorm two months ago also led to an altercation between the neighbors, but the police were not notified of that dispute.
The DA’s office said that the investigation will be closed as soon as a formal announcement on cause and manner of death is determined by the coroner.
The Goys left behind a 15-year-old son suffering from autism, who will be taken into custody by the grandparents.