Additional details continue to surface in connection with two Pennsylvania children who died only minutes apart from each other last month.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, authorities arrived at a home in Albany Township to find 8-year-old Conner Snyder and 4-year-old Brinley Snyder unconscious inside the residence on September 23. Both children were rushed to the Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest but were pronounced dead four days later, and only minutes apart.
According to authorities, who obtained several search warrants to search the home, the children were found hanging from the opposite ends of a plastic-covered dog leash line that someone had wrapped around the basement’s main support beam. Both children had the leash line wrapped around their necks, Reading Eagle reports.
According to court documents, investigators found two dining room table chairs in the basement. Both chairs were tipped over around three feet away from each other.
The children lived in the home with their mother, Lisa Snyder. They also had a 17-year-old brother, identified as Owen Snyder. CBS Philly previously reported that the children’s father was not in their lives. No arrests have been made at this time.
Earlier this week, authorities seized numerous items from the family home, including Conner’s Xbox. The boy’s mother told police that he frequently used the Xbox to play video games and to go online. Authorities also seized two iPads, cellphones, and a laptop.
“The eight-year-old victim is known to play video games and view various internet websites utilizing the X-Box gaming console,” the warrant read.
Investigators are now searching for the family dog, described as a medium-sized Husky and Pit Bull mix who weighs around 50 pounds. Lisa Snyder reportedly told police that the dog mostly stayed outside in the backyard while on a dog lead line. However, the dog has since been given away, the family told police.
“By determining the dogs (sic) actual weight and sized (sic) utilizing a scale will assist in the criminal investigation,” Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Ian Keck wrote in the warrant, according to 69 Newes. “All of this is important to the criminal investigation and reconstruction of the events surrounding this incident.”
Prior to their deaths, the children were under the observation of social services. “Assessment and ongoing case management services were provided to Conner and Brinley Snyder through Berks County Children and Youth Services,” according to a spokesperson from the state’s Department of Human Services.
The details on why the children were known to CYS remain unclear.
A panel of experts will soon be delving into the case, which is a state requirement under “Act 33” in Pennsylvania, for children who pass away or nearly pass away. Act 33 is utilized when there is suspected child abuse or neglect, according to the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams said that although the panel is a “tool in our toolbox,” there is still a lot of evidence to go through.
“It’s a real head-scratcher,” Adams said. “I wish I could say something about the case.”
Adams added that if he could talk about the case, it would be to squash rumors that have been circulating on social media, but he didn’t explain further. So far, no arrests have been made.
“We are not releasing anything, and I don’t think that’s going to change in the near future. I have not and I will not at this point use the term ‘criminal.’ I’m just saying it is an ongoing investigation.”
Anyone with any information about the case is urged to call the Berks County District Attorney’s Office at 610-478-6000 or the state police at 610-562-6885.
The story is developing. Check back for further updates.
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[Feature Photo: Conner Snyder and Brinley Snyder/Facebook]
