Coroner: Slain Pa. family died by suffocation, strangulation
MORRISVILLE, Pa. — Officials say four of five family members killed in a suburban Philadelphia apartment earlier this year were suffocated, and the fifth was strangled.
It’s the latest development since authorities charged a mother and her adult daughter with killing their close family members in February.
The Bucks County coroner’s office said Friday that 9-year-old twins Imani and Erika Allen, 13-year-old Damon Decree Jr. and 25-year-old Naa’Irah Smith died by asphyxiation. Jamilla Campbell, 42, was strangled.
The deaths were ruled to be homicides.
Police say 46-year-old Shana Decree and her daughter, 19-year-old Dominique Decree, each face five counts of homicide and one count each of conspiracy.
Authorities haven’t released a motive in the slayings. Prosecutors say the investigation is continuing.
The Decrees’ attorneys declined comment.
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