WEST HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A quiet neighborhood in Lancaster County was shaken Sunday afternoon when police responded to a deadly shooting that left two women dead and a man seriously injured inside a Columbia home. Authorities said the suspect, identified as 63-year-old Santiago Payano-Sanchez, was taken into custody after allegedly opening fire on three people, including family members, while two young children were present inside the residence.
According to the West Hempfield Township Police Department, officers were called to the 2100 block of Oak Hollow Drive just before 5 p.m. after reports of gunfire. When they arrived, they found a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the stomach near the front entrance. Officers quickly provided aid until paramedics arrived, and the victim was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition. Police said two other victims were located inside the home.
Investigators identified the deceased as Ana Gutierrez-Cedano and Dominga Cedano-Cedano. One of the women was found in a downstairs area, while the other was discovered in a second-floor bedroom. Both died from apparent gunshot wounds. Police said the two minor children present during the shooting were unharmed but have been placed in safe care with relatives. Detectives noted that the suspect, Payano-Sanchez, also lived in the home and was known to the victims.
According to an arrest affidavit, a family member told police that Payano-Sanchez had called earlier that day, admitting he had shot everyone in the house and apologizing for his actions. When officers entered the residence, they found him attempting to harm himself. He was subdued and transported for medical treatment before being formally charged. Police have not released details about what may have led to the violence, though investigators believe the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute.
Following his arrest, Payano-Sanchez was charged with two counts of criminal homicide, one count of attempted homicide, aggravated assault, and endangering the welfare of children. He is currently being held without bail at the Lancaster County Prison. Authorities say more charges could follow as the investigation continues.
The tragedy has left residents of Oak Hollow Drive stunned. Many described the neighborhood as typically calm and family-oriented. Police and the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office continue to investigate the motive and circumstances surrounding the killings, urging anyone with additional information to contact the West Hempfield Township Police Department.