Authorities have confirmed that the two people rescued from a burning home in Stewartstown Borough, Pennsylvania, early Sunday morning, August 3, 2025, were already dead from gunshot wounds to the head before the fire even began.
The victims have been identified as Jennifer Troch, 41, a Maryland native and mother of three daughters, and Michael Shores Jr., 54. Both were residents of the first block of North Main Street and were discovered unconscious on the second floor of their home at 2 North Main Street during a firefighter-led rescue operation. They were rushed to WellSpan York Hospital in cardiac arrest, where Shores was pronounced dead at 7:12 a.m. and Troch at 7:30 a.m., according to York County Coroner Pam Gay.
Troch was a certified nursing assistant (CNA) who worked as a clinical assistant at the University of Maryland Medical Center. She had also served as a practice coordinator at Greater Baltimore Medical Center. Troch studied at the Community College of Baltimore County and attended Hereford High School. She was known for her dedication to caregiving and her deep love for her three daughters.
Fire crews responded around 6:00 a.m. after third-party callers reported heavy smoke coming from the home. Upon arrival, first responders encountered active flames at the rear second floor of the historic building, which once served as the Stewartstown Library and an old bank. Firefighters rescued Troch and Shores from inside the structure and attempted life-saving efforts en route to the hospital.
Despite initial belief that the fire may have caused the fatalities, new findings from Southern Regional Police and the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshalās Office confirm that both victims died from gunshot wounds to the head, and that the fire was not the cause of death. The case is now being investigated as a joint arson and homicide case.
The fire itself escalated to a second alarm, drawing support from numerous York County and Maryland fire departments. One firefighter was injured after falling through the second floor but was taken to York Hospital and is expected to recover. A pet was also rescued from the home.
Authorities are continuing their investigation and have not yet released further information about Shores or the circumstances surrounding the shooting and fire. The York County Coronerās Office, Southern Regional Police Department, and the PA State Police Fire Marshal are all working on the case.
Loved ones and community members are encouraged to share memories, funeral, or fundraiser information to honor the lives of Jennifer Troch and Michael Shores Jr.
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