While authorities continue to investigate the deaths of two Pennsylvania children found hanging in a basement last month, they’re asking the public for any tips that could assist them.
According to the Reading Eagle, Trooper David C. Beohm of the Reading PD said investigators are urging the public for help, no matter how small the tip.
“If anyone knows anything about the deaths, even if you don’t think it’s a big deal, please contact the police.”
As CrimeOnline previously reported, authorities found Conner, 8, and Brinley, 4, hanging from a dog leash line and unconscious inside a home at 2442 Route 143 in Albany Township 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.
Investigators confirmed that 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.
Authorities found two dining room table chairs in the basement. Both chairs were tipped over around three feet away from each other.
Earlier this month, authorities seized numerous items from the family home, including Conner’s Xbox. The children’s mother, Lisa R. Snyder, told police that Connery frequently used the Xbox to play video games and to go online. Authorities also seized two iPads 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 later carried out another search warrant and reportedly determined that Lisa Snyder had two additional cellphones that they were not aware of.
Authorities learned about the cellphones after an interview with Snyder’s oldest son, 17-year-old Owen Snyder, according to The Morning Call. Further, authorities noted that the 911 call was not placed from the first cellphone police seized from the mother.
“Normally, people only have one cellphone and now we have three,” Berks County District Attorney John Adams said.
Residents React
Some residents in Burks county are reportedly upset and shocked over the incident, and eagerly waiting for more information after a “dark cloud” moved over their community.
“I don’t want to speculate about the results of the investigation,” resident Carolyn Folk told the outlet. “Everything will all come out. They should be doing a thorough investigation.”
Jane Conrath, 70, added that “everyone wants to know what happened.”
“People are upset,” 18-year-old college student Haley Dunkelberger said. “I don’t really think everyone knows how to cope with this. This is a small community. For whatever happened, I want justice. I understand that information cannot be released.”
Family Dog Still Not Found
Investigators are still 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. The dog was given away, the family told police, although it’s unclear if the pup was given away before of after the children’s deaths.
“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 News.
“All of this is important to the criminal investigation and reconstruction of the events surrounding this incident.”
Children and Youth Services
Prior to their deaths, the children were under the observation of social services. “Assessment and ongoing case management services were provided to Connor 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.
Adams previously said that if he could talk to the public about the case, he would squash rumors that have been circulating on social media, but he didn’t explain further. So far, no arrests have been made.
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]
