Sharae Thompson, a 21-year-old woman from Wilkes-Barre, PA, tragically lost her life on November 19, 2016. She was killed by her ex-boyfriend, Zackary Yashkus, who then took the life of their 3-year-old son, Xander Yashkus, before ending his own life. The incident was determined to be a murder-suicide.
Sharae Thompson was born and raised in Wilkes-Barre and was known for her dedication to her son.
She worked hard to provide for him and was described by friends and neighbors as a loving and caring mother. Her life was tragically cut short by the violent actions of her ex-boyfriend, who had a history of assault charges.
Zackary Yashkus, 23, had faced legal troubles in the past, including charges of aggravated assault, simple assault, and reckless endangerment. Despite these charges being dropped, the violence escalated, leading to the tragic events of November 19, 2016. Yashkus shot Sharae Thompson in the driveway of her home before driving to Pittston Township, where he shot their son and then himself.
The community was deeply affected by the loss of Sharae Thompson and her young son. Neighbors and friends remembered them fondly and expressed disbelief and sorrow over the senseless tragedy. The Pennsylvania State Police and the Wilkes-Barre Police Detective Division conducted an investigation into the incident, but no further arrests or litigation followed, as the perpetrator took his own life.
Sharae Thompson's death left a lasting impact on her family and the community, who continue to remember her as a loving mother and a kind-hearted individual.
