A Pennsylvania woman was fatally shot while dropping off her twin children at the home of her estranged husband, according to police and family members. Investigators say both the woman and her husband were found dead inside her SUV after it crashed into a garage, and authorities believe the shooting stemmed from an ongoing separation.
Woman and Estranged Husband Found Dead
The victim was identified as Crystal Russ, 44, while the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the second person found dead as William Broadus, 44.
According to Russ’ family, Broadus fatally shot his estranged wife before taking his own life.
Police have not publicly announced a final determination regarding the circumstances of the deaths, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Shooting Occurred During Child Exchange
The incident happened on Tuesday afternoon in the 6700 block of West Barvista Drive in Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, a community located northeast of Pittsburgh.
Family members said Russ and Broadus had been married for approximately 10 years but were in the process of separating.
The couple shared twin children, and Russ had driven to Broadus’ residence to drop them off when the shooting occurred.
Family Believes Victim Was Shot Inside Moving SUV
According to relatives, Broadus came outside as Russ arrived at the home.
Family members believe he opened fire while Russ was still inside her SUV and while the vehicle was still moving.
Investigators say the SUV then continued forward before crashing into a nearby garage.
The family further believes Broadus entered the vehicle after the crash and then fatally shot himself.
Authorities have not publicly confirmed that sequence of events, but police have stated that preliminary evidence indicates the shooting occurred inside the vehicle during a domestic incident.
Neighbors Reported Hearing Gunfire
Residents living nearby described hearing multiple gunshots during the afternoon.
One neighbor, Nettie Schropp, recalled immediately telling another neighbor that she had heard gunfire.
She said the shots came in rapid succession before everything became quiet.
Police Responded to Crash Call
According to the Allegheny County Police Department, officers were initially dispatched after receiving a 911 call reporting that a vehicle had crashed into a building.
When first responders arrived, they found both an adult man and an adult woman inside the SUV suffering from gunshot wounds.
Authorities said both individuals were pronounced dead at the scene.
Police Describe Incident as Domestic Violence
The Allegheny County Police Department said preliminary evidence indicates the shooting occurred inside the vehicle during a domestic situation.
Officials also stated that no other injuries were reported, including to the couple’s twin children.
Detectives from the department’s Homicide Unit continue investigating the incident.
Family Says Separation Led to Violence
Crystal Russ’ cousin, Alicia Rucker, believes Broadus was unable to accept the couple’s separation.
According to Rucker, Broadus “couldn’t take the separation.”
She also said she believed he knew he would never find someone better than Russ.
Those comments reflect the family’s opinion and have not been independently confirmed by investigators.
Loved Ones Remember Crystal Russ
Following Russ’ death, family members created a GoFundMe campaign to help support her four children.
The fundraiser describes Russ as a devoted mother, loving daughter, caring cousin, and someone whose kindness touched everyone around her.
According to the family, she was known for her warm personality, welcoming spirit, and deep love for her children.
They said they do not want her final moments to define her life, instead choosing to remember her for her compassion, strength, generosity, and the joy she brought to family and friends.
Investigation Continues
The Allegheny County Police Department continues to investigate the fatal shooting.
Authorities have not announced any additional findings as detectives work to determine the full sequence of events surrounding the deaths of Crystal Russ and William Broadus.
