Mom in custody after 2 children, man found dead
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WLS) -- The murders of two young children that were found dead Monday night were ruled homicides. A third body was found in Fort Wayne, Ind., Tuesday morning. Authorities are still sorting out details, but at this point, they're calling the murders targeted.
An Amber Alert for the two children was issued late Monday morning in Fort Wayne, Ind. Authorities said they had been kidnapped by their mother, Amber Pasztor, 29, from their grandparents' home and were in danger.
The Elkhart Coroner's office said Liliana Hernandez, 7, and Rene Pasztor, 6, both died from asphyxia.
Investigators in Allen County said the third body was discovered in the woods near the children's home.
On Tuesday, the Allen County Coroner identified the third body as Frank Macomber, 66, who was believed to have been with Pasztor during the incident. He died of a gunshot wound and his death was ruled a homicide.
Hours after the Amber Alert was issued, Pasztor went to the Elkhart Police Department, flagged down an officer outside and said the children were dead. They were found in the backseat of her vehicle. The mother was taken into custody and is being held on a previous warrant. She was in a car belonging to Macomber.
While no charges have been filed, prosecutors say Pasztor had some connection to Macomber. Authorities will now say they believe Pasztor is connected to all three murders including the murders of her children.
"Anytime you have kids involved, that makes it a little bit harder. A lot of it is unknown. A lot of it, for the officers, is the way our portion of this transpired. Again, not knowing a lot of the background, not knowing a lot other than the mere fact that there is a car parked behind our police station and there are two deceased young kids in there," said Sgt. Chris Snyder, Elkhart Police Department.
A family friend tells ABC 7 the family will be participating at a vigil at the children's school, Arcola Elementary. Lilian was a second grader and Rene was a kindergartner. They were both anxious and eager to explore their world. The school's superintendent said the situation has shaken the entire community.
Pasztor is expected to be charged Wednesday for the murder of Frank Macomber. More charges from Elkhart County are expected later this week.
