In a quiet home in La-Porte, IN, the long life of 102-year-old Harriet Kowalski came to a tragic and violent end in what authorities have described as a double murder and suicide. On Sunday, May 25, 2025, Kowalski, a female, was found deceased alongside her 73-year-old daughter, Linda Ciastko, and her 75-year-old son-in-law, Leonard Ciastko. All three had suffered fatal gunshot wounds to the head.
The grim discovery was made by deputies from the La Porte County Sheriff's Office who were
conducting a welfare check at the residence located in the 5600-west block of C.R. 250 North. The request for the check was made by Leonard Ciastko's daughter after she was unable to get in contact with him.
Early in the investigation, law enforcement officials indicated that the incident appeared to be an isolated event and that there was no ongoing threat to the public. The La Porte County Coroner, Lynn Swanson, stated that the preliminary findings suggest it was a murder-suicide. Investigators believe that Leonard Ciastko shot his wife, Linda, and his mother-in-law, Harriet Kowalski, before turning the gun on himself.
While autopsies were performed on all three individuals, the final results were pending as the investigation continued. At the time of the initial reports, the investigation was still considered ongoing. Authorities had not released further details regarding a motive or the circumstances leading up to the tragic event. There have been no reports of any other suspects or arrests in connection with the deaths.
