In the quiet community of Greenville, Pennsylvania, a tragic event unfolded, ending the life of 92-year-old David E. Frew. A long-time resident and active member of his church, Frew's life was brought to a sudden and violent end on a Sunday in early October. The circumstances surrounding his death pointed not to a stranger, but to a member of his own family, his son.
On that fateful day, law enforcement was called to a road near East Jamestown Road in West Salem Township after a report
of a deceased male. The victim was identified as David E. Frew, who was found to have been fatally shot. As the investigation began to unfold at the scene, another gunshot was heard nearby. This led police to the discovery of Frew's son, 51-year-old David C. Frew, who had sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The younger Frew was transported to UPMC Horizon Greenville, where he was pronounced dead.
The Mercer County Coroner's Office later confirmed the grim details of the incident. David E. Frew's death was officially ruled a homicide caused by a gunshot wound to the head. His son's death was ruled a suicide, also from a gunshot wound to the head. The investigation, conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police with assistance from the Greenville police, concluded that the event was a murder-suicide, with David C. Frew as the perpetrator in his father's death.
The community was left to grapple with the shocking news of the father and son's deaths. David E. Frew was remembered as a dedicated member of the First Presbyterian Church in Greenville since 1944, where he had served in various leadership roles. His son, David C. Frew, had a history of battling mental health issues, a struggle that ultimately culminated in this tragic outcome. No further suspects were sought in connection with the case, as the investigation determined the incident was contained to the two men.
