John Middleton Obituary, Death – A deadly shooting in the Mount Carbon community of Fayette County has left two people dead and three others injured, Sheriff Jess McMullen confirmed Tuesday while releasing further details about the tragic incident. The shooting occurred late Monday morning in the Adena Village neighborhood, shattering the calm of what is typically a quiet residential area.
According to Sheriff McMullen, the violence began when John Middleton, a 49-year-old resident of Mount Carbon, was standing in a carport speaking with three other people. Without warning, he was fatally struck by a shotgun blast. Middleton was killed instantly, leaving the community in shock.
The three other individuals who were with him at the time were also hit by gunfire from the same shotgun. While they sustained injuries, officials stated their wounds were not life-threatening. Investigators believe these bystanders were not the intended targets of the attack, but rather were caught in the line of fire.
The suspect was later identified as 53-year-old Michael Hall, also of Mount Carbon. Authorities say that shortly after the shooting, Hall retreated into a nearby home. There, he turned another firearm—a high-powered rifle—on himself, taking his own life. The discovery of Hall’s body confirmed the grim conclusion of the incident.
Sheriff McMullen explained that two different weapons were involved: a shotgun, which was used against the victims, and a rifle, which Hall used to inflict the fatal self-injury. “It appears the incident involving the victim he used a shotgun and the self-inflicted injury was from a high-powered rifle,” McMullen said during his briefing.
At this time, authorities remain uncertain about what led to the attack. “The motive is still unclear and it remains under investigation by our detective bureau here at the Sheriff’s Department,” McMullen added, emphasizing that investigators are continuing to piece together what may have triggered such a violent outburst.
The sudden and unprovoked nature of the shooting has left neighbors and officials puzzled. With no clear indication of why Hall carried out the attack, the investigation is focused on uncovering any background, personal disputes, or mental health issues that may have contributed to the tragedy.
Residents of Adena Village and the wider Mount Carbon community expressed shock that such violence erupted in their neighborhood. Many described the area as quiet and family-oriented, making the deadly events of Monday morning all the more unsettling.
Sheriff McMullen assured the public that there is no ongoing threat, as the shooter is deceased, but he acknowledged the emotional toll on those injured and on the community at large.
As investigators continue their work, the families of John Middleton and the other victims are left to process the devastating loss and trauma caused by the shooting. The sheriff’s office has not released the names of the three wounded individuals out of respect for their privacy.
This tragic incident remains under active investigation as authorities seek to understand the motive behind the sudden and deadly attack in Mount Carbon.
