CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. (WJAC) — Cambria County officials have identified the suspect in Monday evening’s death investigation after two women were found dead inside a home in Carrolltown.
Authorities say 14-year-old Judah Courtney is facing a variety of charges, headlined by criminal homicide and aggravated assault, after two female relatives were found dead at their residence along Flick Ave., in Carrolltown Borough.
County coroner Jeff Lees identified the victims as 32-year-old Olivia Courtney and 38-year-old Ashley Cook.
Investigators say the two women were found deceased following a welfare check at the home, which was reportedly prompted by a neighbor having an “interaction” with the teen.
According to the affidavit, state police were called to the 100 block of Flick Avenue after Courtney allegedly approached a neighbor and claimed that someone had “killed his Dad and Aunt.”
Troopers noted that Courtney then reportedly made several “questionable” statements to police, and also had blood on his clothing, as well as visible signs of a recent injury to his hands.
Authorities say the two victims suffered massive blood loss, caused by stab wounds, and were discovered in the living room area of the home.
According to the complaint, police say both Cook and Courtney reportedly suffered multiple stab wounds to their head and torso.
Upon additional investigation, troopers say the neighbor further elaborated that after the initial interaction with Courtney, he reportedly stated, “they’re going to think I did it.”
Police say Courtney then allegedly claimed to have taken a shower, prior to finding the bodies, before stating, “I just can’t believe this happened!”
Investigators say that statement was then reportedly followed by Courtney allegedly admitting to the deaths by saying “I did it!”
Troopers say they also spoke to a juvenile friend of Courtney, who claimed to have received a Snapchat message from him with the words “I killed my parents.”
Police say Courtney then reportedly sent the friend a Snapchat video, after exiting the shower, claiming that he found his parents dead, before panning the camera to show their bodies on the floor.
During an interview at the state police barracks, investigators say Courtney again admitted to the stabbings, claiming that he intended to kill the victims.
Police say Courtney also described the weapons found at the scene, which reportedly included a serrated knife, paring knife and butcher knife.
During a press conference Tuesday, authorities did not provide any details on a possible motive for the killings, but officials noted that there were “signs of a struggle” inside the home and three bloody knives were found in a garbage can.
Carrolltown homicide investigation presser
County District Attorney Greg Neugebauer says Courtney is being charged as an adult and will be held at the Cambria County Prison, with special precautions in place.
When asked about the relationship between the teen and the two victims, investigators described Olivia Courtney is the 14-year-old’s biological mother and other victim was described as a “family-friend.”
Investigators also confirmed that the family recently moved to the area, approximately 2+ years ago, from the state of Texas.
Authorities say they are continuing to explore multiple avenues in the case, including contacting Courtney’s school district, which was confirmed to be Cambria Heights, as well as contacting authorities in Texas to learn more background on the family.
Online court records show that Courtney was arraigned late Tuesday morning and a preliminary hearing is set for October 16th.
UPDATE:
Cambria County Coroner Jeff Lees has confirmed to 6 News that two adults were found dead in a home in Carrolltown, along Flick Avenue.
The coroner’s office, Pennsylvania State Police, Carrolltown police, and the district attorney’s office are investigating.
The coroner’s office will be holding a press conference Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. to provide an update on the investigation.
Stay with 6 News for updates.
ORIGINAL:
Authorities say a suspicious death investigation is underway Monday night in Cambria County.
Cambria County Coroner Jeff Lees says he has been called to Carrolltown Borough.
Details remain limited at this time.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
