West Hempfield man charged after fatal family shooting leaves two dead and one wounded
West Hempfield Township, PA – A weekend argument inside a Lancaster County home turned deadly Sunday afternoon when a 63-year-old man allegedly opened fire on his estranged wife, sister-in-law, and son, killing two family members and seriously wounding a third.
Police say Santiago Payano-Sanchez, of West Hempfield Township, has been charged with two counts of criminal homicide and multiple related offenses after the shooting inside his residence on the 2100 block of Oak Hollow Drive shortly before 5 p.m.
Investigators say Payano-Sanchez shot his 33-year-old son in the stomach before turning the gun on his estranged wife, 59-year-old Ana Gutierrez-Cedano, and her sister, 74-year-old Dominga Cedano-Cedano, both of whom were pronounced dead at the scene. The son survived after undergoing emergency surgery and is listed in stable condition at a local hospital.
Two young children, ages 2 and 7, were inside the home during the shooting but were not harmed. According to police, Payano-Sanchez had been arguing with family members throughout the weekend before pulling a firearm from his waistband and opening fire.
Authorities said he later called relatives to apologize for his actions before surrendering to officers at the scene. Responding units initially requested a Special Emergency Response Team, but Payano-Sanchez surrendered before they arrived. He sustained minor self-inflicted injuries that were treated by medics.
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Investigators confirmed the firearm used in the shooting was legally owned and that Payano-Sanchez possessed a valid concealed carry permit. He is being held without bail following arraignment before Judge Mary Sponaugle. Autopsies for both victims are scheduled later this week.
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Key Points
- 63-year-old Santiago Payano-Sanchez charged after deadly family shooting in West Hempfield Township
- His estranged wife and sister-in-law were killed; his son was shot but survived
- Two children were inside the home but were unharmed; suspect held without bail