This past Tuesday, Pike County Residents Chris and Gracie Hager were shot and killed outside of a duplex on Keystone Avenue.

 

According to police, 51-year-old Thomas Birl, who rented half of the duplex from Chris Hager, is said to have shot the couple multiple times before barricading himself inside the duplex. This prompted a standoff with police which lasted for hours. Officers eventually fired gas rounds into the residence in order to force Birl outside.

 

Before exiting the home, Birl is said to have also set fire to the building, causing severe damage. He was taken to a hospital following his arrest.

 

The investigation into this incident is ongoing.