Harriet Kowalski, Leonard Ciastko Obituary, Death: 102-year-old among three fatally shot in Indiana home, officials report.

Harriet Kowalski, Leonard Ciastko Obituary, Death – Authorities in Northwest Indiana are investigating a tragic incident after three individuals were discovered shot to death inside a private residence. The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the deaths, which were uncovered during a welfare check carried out over the weekend.

Deputies were dispatched to the home located in the 5600 west block of County Road 250 North on Sunday. They had received a request for a welfare check, which is a routine procedure law enforcement officers perform when someone has not been heard from or seen for an extended period and there is concern for their safety.

Upon entering the home, deputies made a grim discovery—three people were found dead inside the residence. The victims were later identified by the La Porte County Coroner’s Office as 102-year-old Harriet Kowalski, 75-year-old Leonard Ciastko, and 73-year-old Linda Ciastko.

According to the coroner, each of the victims had sustained gunshot wounds to the head. Their deaths were confirmed at the scene, and no efforts at resuscitation were reported due to the apparent fatal nature of the injuries.

The coroner’s findings were shared with local media, including ABC affiliate WBND in South Bend. While few details have been made public at this time, officials stated that all three deaths are under investigation. No cause or motive has been confirmed yet, and it remains unclear how the individuals were connected beyond being present in the same household at the time of the shootings.

Although the nature of the crime might suggest a significant threat, the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office reassured the public that there is no ongoing danger. In a public statement, officials emphasized that they believe this was an isolated incident and that no suspects are currently being sought. The exact circumstances leading to the tragedy remain the focus of law enforcement and forensic efforts.

The home where the bodies were found is located in a rural section of La Porte County, which is known for its quiet neighborhoods and tight-knit communities. The discovery has sent shockwaves through the area, especially given the advanced age of one of the victims, 102-year-old Harriet Kowalski. The deaths have prompted sadness, confusion, and concern among local residents, many of whom are now grappling with the reality that such violence occurred within their community.

Authorities have not yet confirmed whether a weapon was recovered from the scene, nor have they provided information on whether there are any surviving witnesses or relatives who might be able to shed light on what transpired. It is also unknown whether the victims were longtime residents of the area or had recently moved to the home where the incident occurred.

Law enforcement officials have cordoned off the area as investigators work to piece together what happened inside the home. Crime scene technicians, along with forensic specialists, are expected to conduct a thorough examination of the house, gathering evidence that might help determine whether this was a case of murder-suicide or a triple homicide.

Investigators are also likely reviewing any security footage from nearby properties, interviewing neighbors, and checking for recent disturbances or calls to law enforcement involving the residents of the home. Family history, mental health records, and any interpersonal conflicts may also be scrutinized as part of the ongoing investigation.

While the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office has not made public appeals for information, that could change depending on how the investigation progresses. For now, officials appear confident that the community is not at risk, which has helped ease public concern to some extent.

The deaths of Leonard and Linda Ciastko, along with Harriet Kowalski, mark a tragic chapter for their families and the broader community. As friends and relatives begin to process their loss, many will be left with questions that only time and a thorough investigation can answer.

Authorities have not announced when autopsy results will be made available, but those findings are likely to provide further insight into the timeline and manner of death, which could prove crucial in determining whether one of the victims may have been responsible for the others’ deaths before taking their own life. Until those results are released, speculation will remain.

This devastating incident has cast a pall over the region, but law enforcement officials continue to work diligently to uncover the truth. Meanwhile, the La Porte County community mourns the loss of three of its residents, one of whom lived more than a century—a testament to a long life ended far too tragically.

As the investigation unfolds, more information is expected to come to light. For now, authorities are urging the public to remain patient and allow the process to run its course while they continue to gather facts and ensure justice is served, if necessary.