Allen family of 4 was discovered dead in an apparent murder-suicide.
In a somber announcement on Monday, Dr. Guskiewicz expressed the deep sorrow that had befallen our campus community. The day had turned tragically dark, leaving us all in shock.
“In the face of this devastating loss, the very foundation of trust and safety within our close-knit campus community has been shaken,” Dr. Guskiewicz lamented. The shooting that unfolded challenges the sense of security we often take for granted. He assured that efforts would be made to piece back together that sense of trust and safety that binds our community.
According to a statement from the Allen Police Department, the incident has been classified as a murder-suicide. It was a heart-wrenching situation that unfolded within the confines of a family home.
The chain of events began when a distressed family member, the grandmother, contacted the police. She had been locked out of the home for an agonizing two hours, with no response from within. Jacqueline Soto, a neighbor, vividly recalled the grandmother’s distress, describing her as deeply distraught.
The situation escalated as more family members arrived at the scene. Their attempts to console the grandmother, who was understandably overwhelmed, painted a heartrending scene. Eventually, the authorities managed to gain entry into the residence, only to make a grim discovery – four lifeless bodies. The identity of the perpetrator has not yet been disclosed by the police.
Pastor Etchu Etchu, living nearby, shared his regret for not having noticed any warning signs that could have potentially averted this tragedy. The uncertainty surrounding the situation left the community grappling for answers.
The victims were identified by the Allen Police Department as Farman Sherwani, the father; Layla Sherwani, the mother; 12-year-old son Shaheen Sherwani; and 2-year-old son Mateen Sherwani. Adding to the heartache, it was confirmed that one of the victims was a 5th-grade student at Olson Elementary within the Allen Independent School District (ISD). The school promptly informed parents of the “unexpected death” of a student and made counselors available on the following day to support the grieving community.
In a doubly tragic turn of events, the family had also lost their 4-year-old daughter, Lyian Sherwani, in a drowning incident earlier in the month. While the exact circumstances of that incident remain unclear, the police have indicated that it played a role in the events that transpired on Monday.
The community at large has been deeply affected by the unfolding of this heartrending tragedy. Jacqueline Soto shared that the collective empathy towards the family’s pain was palpable among neighbors, expressing the sorrow that has touched them all.
As the community rallies together in the face of this unimaginable loss, the Islamic Association of Allen has extended a helping hand by hosting a funeral for the four family members. On Tuesday evening, the community will come together to mourn, offering a space for solace and support during these incredibly trying times.
By: M Z Hossain, Editor Sky Buzz Feed
