STOWE TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A man and his girlfriend were shot to death, allegedly by the man’s brother, who was upset they were living in his parents’ Stowe Township home, police said.
The victims were found dead at the home on Thursday, but police said they were killed on Sunday.
Stowe Township officers were called to conduct a welfare check at the home on Liberty Street shortly before 11:30 a.m. Thursday. When they arrived, the front door was wide open, there were bullet holes in the walls, and 47-year-old Sally Sines and 55-year-old Christopher Gumm were discovered inside, police said. Investigators said they were both “in decomposition.”
Late Thursday, police arrested 60-year-old Timothy Gumm for the murders. They said he was responsible for killing his brother and his brother’s girlfriend.
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According to a criminal complaint, investigators were able to tie Gumm to the murders through a couple cans of beer and a gun he previously showed to someone, who talked to police and informed them that Gumm was upset about the couple living at his parents’ house.
Gumm initially denied that he had been at his parents’ home. However, during an interview, he admitted to police he had a beer with his brother there on Sunday and got into an argument with him.
Gumm said he thought his brother had a knife, so he pulled out the gun and shot his brother and Sines before leaving and tossing the weapon, according to the complaint.
Two cans of beer and an Aldi bag were found under Christopher Gumm’s body, police said.
Neighbors said it’s “very devastating.” They told Channel 11 that Christopher Gumm had lived at the home for several years, while Sines had moved in more recently.
“I know he has a daughter and I feel bad for his daughter,” one neighbor said. “Very sad.”
Timothy Gumm is charged with two counts of homicide, among other charges.
A gofundme page was created by the family of Christopher Gumm to help pay burial expenses. Those interested in donating can visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/2aat6hlxpc.
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