Community Reels After Pottstown Murder-Suicide

POTTSTOWN, PA — Superintendent of Pottstown schools Stephen Rodriguez sent a message to District parents Monday afternoon following a murder-suicide involving parents of students in Barth Elementary and Pottstown Middle School.

The incident the District called "sad news" was Monday's report of a husband who shot and killed his wife at a home on Chestnut Street in Pottstown before turning the gun on himself in what police said was a murder-suicide. The Montgomery County District Attorney's Office said the crime was captured on home video surveillance.

Rodriguez, Pottstown School District Superintendent of Schools, addressed parents and guardians, informing them, "There was an incident in the community resulting in the death of two of our parents that has been classified as a murder-suicide by the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office. The schools affected are Barth Elementary and Pottstown Middle School.

"This tragedy saddens our hearts. We are coordinating any and all efforts to support the students and families affected by the situation and will continue to work with the Pottstown Police Department and other agencies involved," said Rodriguez.

He explained to the school community that while some information must remain confidential to protect the privacy of the students involved, the District will continue to provide mental health support and cooperation for all students and staff.

"Please keep this family and these schools in your thoughts and prayers," Rodriquez asked.

The surveillance video shows Edward Thornton, 42, arguing with his wife, Carla Forde, 46, police said. The argument escalated, and Thornton then began brutally beating the victim until she was unconscious, the District Attorney reported.

In the video, Thornton then goes upstairs, gets a gun, shoots Forde, and shoots himself, police said.

An investigation from the Montgomery County Detective Bureau and Pottstown Police revealed that Thornton had a history of domestic violence.

Police responded to the scene after a neighbor reported shots fired in a 911 call.

The Montgomery County Coroner's Office said it will conduct autopsies of the bodies on Monday.

"My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of the victim," Montco District Attorney Kevin Steele said in a statement. "This is yet another domestic violence or relationship homicide in Montgomery County. If you are living in a violent situation at home, please call for help."

Victims of domestic violence can call the Laurel House hotline at 800-642-3150 or the Women’s Center of Montgomery County hotline at 800-773-2424.

Residents of Pottstown told Patch Monday that they are requesting the Borough help them set up more Neighborhood Watches.

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