East Lansdowne, Pennsylvania, a peaceful community, was recently shattered by a family tragedy that resulted in six fatalities and two police officers injured, leaving residents grappling for answers.
The incident occurred on February 7, 2024, when a family dispute escalated into a shocking act of violence. Six family members, including three children, lost their lives in this tragic event, as detailed by Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer in a press briefing.
Authorities have identified the suspect as 43-year-old Canh Le, who allegedly shot his younger brother Xuong Le, 40, Xuong’s wife Britni McLaughlin-Le, 37, and their two daughters, Natalya, 17, and Nakayla, 13.
Following the shootings, Canh Le reportedly set the family home on fire, causing the death of the youngest child, Xavier, 10, due to smoke inhalation.
According to Stollsteimer, the incident began with an argument between Canh Le and his niece, Nakayla. Le then retrieved a firearm from his room and initiated the deadly shooting spree. “Canh Le took the answer to his motive to his grave,” Stollsteimer stated, alluding to the lingering questions surrounding this tragedy.
Upon responding to a report of a girl shot, East Lansdowne Police Officer John Meehan, 44, and Lansdowne Police Officer David Schiazza, 54, were met with gunfire from the third floor, where Canh Le was positioned. Meehan suffered an arm injury while Schiazza was injured in the leg. Both were rescued under fire by the Upper Darby Police Department and transported to Penn Presbyterian Hospital in Philadelphia.
Both officers, each with 22 years of service, are expected to fully recover. Schiazza was discharged on Thursday afternoon, and Meehan was released following arm surgery on Friday.
The incident concluded with Canh Le ending his own life. His parents, South Vietnamese immigrants who also lived in the house, survived the incident.
Notably, Canh Le had a criminal record from 2006, which included charges of making terroristic threats, trespassing, and disorderly conduct. He completed a diversion program, and community service, and paid fines as penalties.
In the wake of this tragedy, the McLaughlin family recalled Britni and Xuong’s 17-year marriage, their commitment to their children, their community involvement, and their children’s accomplishments in academics, arts, and sports. The family thanked the community for its support and requested privacy during this difficult time.
The community has rallied to support the grieving family. A GoFundMe page set up for the McLaughlin-Le family described Xuong as a “true gentle soul” and Britni as a “real-life superwoman,” reflecting the profound loss the community is experiencing.
This tragedy has shocked the close-knit, family-oriented community of Delaware County, Pennsylvania. As District Attorney Stollsteimer succinctly put it, the incident is an “absolute, unmitigated tragedy for everybody in this community.”
