Woman killed in home invasion in Smith Township
A Smith Township woman was shot and killed during an apparent home invasion on Monday, Washington County Coroner Tim Warco said.
Renee Lynn Gill, 37, of Langeloth, died at her home at 132 Eleanor St. Warco said Gill was shot around 1:15 a.m., and pronounced dead at 5 a.m.
Gill’s son was also shot and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. His condition was not released, and police did not provide his name. State police public information officer Rocco Gagliardi said he is “20 or 21.”
According to Gagliardi, two men dressed in all black clothing and wearing masks broke into Gill’s home. Gagliardi said the men argued with Gill and her son and then shot them. A juvenile son of Gill’s was also in the home at the time, but was not injured.
The men fled before police arrived.
Gagliardi said that both Gill and her son called 911. He indicated that police believe they likely knew their assailants.
“That’s what we’re working on right now. There has to be some sort of connection there. Whether it’s a relative, or something in prior history or work relation … They had to have known this residence and the people inside at some capacity,” Gagliardi said.
According to Gagliardi, investigators have conducted interviews with witnesses but have yet to identify any suspects. Police have yet to speak with Gill’s son while he recovers in the hospital.
“He is going to be a real key witness moving forward here,” Gagliardi said.
Gagliardi said police were still working to determine how the men traveled to and from the house.
Police had blocked off a portion of Eleanor Street Monday morning, and investigators could be seen on the home’s porch.
Neighbors near the blockade were dismayed at the situation, saying the neighborhood has never experienced a situation like this before.
Ernest Westerhoff, who lives on Eleanor Street, said he knew both of the people who were shot. Westerhoff described the area as one where people trust their neighbors.
“I leave my keys in my car, my windows open in the summer,” Westerhoff said. “I leave all my tools outside.”
Gill’s cause of death is pending an autopsy. Washington County District Attorney Justin Walsh said her manner of death is homicide.