A SUFFOLK man living in America shot his wife dead before turning the gun on himself, leaving five children orphaned, it has emerged.Shaun Cronin, 42, originally from Ipswich, is believed to have murdered his wife, Lisa, after an argument at his home in Texas Township, near Honesdale, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, July 7.
A SUFFOLK man living in America shot his wife dead before turning the gun on himself, leaving five children orphaned, it has emerged.
Shaun Cronin, 42, originally from Ipswich, is believed to have murdered his wife, Lisa, after an argument at his home in Texas Township, near Honesdale, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, July 7.
He then took his own life.
Pennsylvanian police are investigating the incident but are treating it as a murder-suicide.
Mr Cronin, who leaves seven children, two from his first marriage and five from his second, was cremated in the USA before his ashes were recently flown back to Suffolk.
A funeral service attended by his family, who all still live in the Ipswich area, was held at the town's St James Catholic Church on Monday.
Mr Cronin's wife, also aged 42, was a waitress at a trackside grill in Honesdale.
According to American newspaper reports, employees have set up a fund at the Honesdale national bank to accept donations for her children, who are all staying with relatives.
It is believed the couple had been having ongoing domestic problems prior to the incident.
A statement issued by Pennsylvanian police read: “This station is investigating two deaths.
“An apparent murder/suicide took place after an apparent argument.
“Lisa and Shaun Cronin were married. Shaun Cronin shot his wife and then shot himself. The investigation is continuing.”
A spokesman for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office confirmed last night Mr Cronin had died in an incident in Honesdale, Pennsylvania on either July 7 or July 8.
He also confirmed it was being treated as a murder-suicide and that the other victim was Mr Cronin's wife.
n. Did you know Mr Cronin? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or email eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here