GLENELG, MD – Howard County police reported a double murder-suicide on Sunday night involving a father and his two teenage children in Glenelg, Maryland. Responding to a welfare check at a house in Triadelphia Road, officers found three gunshot victims. They made the disturbing discovery shortly after 11 p.m.
The initial investigation identified the deceased adult as 42-year-old Christopher Zanski. His two children were also found at the scene, identified as 17-year-old Braden Zanski and 15-year-old Hailey Zanski.
Reports suggest that Christopher killed both his children before shooting himself. All three lived at the residence, with current evidence indicating no involvement of any other suspects in their untimely deaths. The motive behind the murder-suicide case remains unclear.
Residents expressed their shock at the news. “It’s shocking. This is such a safe community. People here are so friendly,” said Nadimire Jules-Dole, a local resident.
Both children attended Glenelg High School. Braden also participated in the Automotive Technology Academy at the Applications and Research Laboratory of Howard County Public School System.
Shawn Hastings-Hauf, Principal of Glenelg High School, reached out to parents and guardians to share the unfortunate news. Hastings-Hauf stated that the school is “shocked and saddened by this terrible news” and assured them of support measures for students, staff, and families impacted by the tragedy.