Mother called 911 after shooting, killing 2 children inside Ambridge home, police say

The mother, 48-year-old Krisinda Bright, was arrested for the shooting, according to Interim Chief John Deluca. She was the one who actually called 911.

According to a criminal complaint, Bright told 911 dispatchers that she shot her children and left the gun unloaded on the dining room table.

Bright is charged with two counts of homicide and was taken to the Beaver County Jail without bond, according to the Beaver County District Attorney’s Office.

When officers got to the house, they said Bright was standing outside on the front porch. She had dried blood on her, and when they walked into the home, they found her two children shot to death.

“It was a gruesome scene,” Deluca said.

Bright told officers at the police station that she shot one of her children while they were lying in bed, the complaint said.

Bright then went downstairs and pointed the gun at her other child, who said, “Please don’t shoot, I’m gonna call the police,” the complaint said. The gun initially didn’t fire, so Bright “fixed” the gun and pulled the trigger again. The child was shot, but was still alive until Bright returned to shoot again because she didn’t want her child to suffer.

Beaver County District Attorney David Lozier reported they are not looking for any other suspects.

Neighbors are grief-stricken as they try to process what happened.

“As far as I saw, she was always good to her kids. Her kids were always happy,” Sam Bruno, a neighbor, said. “I just feel really bad for her. I feel worse for her kids for what happened here.”

Rick Mattia with NAMI Beaver County, a mental health non-profit, has worked directly with both victims through Prism, a local youth organization that supports those in the LGBTQ-plus community.

“It was hard to wrap my head around that something like this happened so close to home and people I care about,” he said. “They were happy. When they were with their friends, I saw that when I was a part of the different groups that I sat in and observed with. But obviously they had some things that they had to deal with being a part of the LGBTQ community and not being understood all the time.”

The Ambridge community gathered at P.J. Caul Park for a candlelight vigil Tuesday night.

“Being personally effected by it has been hard to grapple with, even with my status in mental health,” Mattia said.

The Ambridge Police Department is being assisted by the Beaver County Detectives Bureau and the Beaver County Coroner’s Office. The motive for the shooting is unclear.

One of the two victims was a student at Ambridge Area High School. The school posted this letter to parents:

“It is with deep regret that we inform you about a recent loss to our school community. On Monday, February 22, 2021, a student at Ambridge High School, passed away. This loss is sure to raise many emotions, concerns, and questions for our entire school, especially our students.

“The Ambridge Area School District has a Crisis Intervention Team made up of professionals trained to help with the needs of students, parents, and school personnel at difficult times such as this. The District has counselors available for any student who may need or want help or any type of assistance surrounding this loss. We encourage you, as parents, to also feel free to use our resources.

“If you would like additional information or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Janice Zupsic, High School principal at jzupsic@ambridge.k12.pa.us or call 724-266-2833 Ext. 2287. Additionally, Val Misencik can be reached at 724-266-2833 Ext. 2377 to assist you in reaching a counselor for support.

“We are saddened by the loss to our school community and will make every effort to help you and your child.”