A Pennsylvania mother of three was tragically killed by her husband in a botched murder-suicide attempt, authorities said. Taryn Morgan, 45, of Halifax, was found dead from gunshot wounds in her Carsonville Road home around 2 p.m. on May 21.
Police determined that Morgan was shot during a domestic altercation with her husband, Dennis Morgan, 46. He was also found with self-inflicted gunshot wounds and was taken to a hospital. His condition has not been updated, and it remains unclear if charges have been filed. The motive for the dispute is also unknown.
Morgan leaves behind three children: Morgan, Carter Imhof, and Kimber Morgan. Her daughter Morgan paid tribute in a heartbreaking Facebook post: "I love you, mommy." A GoFundMe campaign has been launched for the children, raising nearly $26,000 of its $35,000 goal.
"Taryn was a devoted mother, a great teacher, a business owner, and a loving daughter," the fundraiser stated. "She would do anything for others, always putting the needs of her family, friends, and community before her own. Her sudden loss has left a void in the hearts of her loved ones and everyone who knew her."
Morgan taught agriculture at the Upper Dauphin Area Future Farmers of America (FFA) and Agriculture Program. "Mrs. Morgan was more than an educator. She was a mentor, a role model, and a constant source of passion and positivity for so many students and community members," the organization wrote. "Her love for agriculture and her dedication to her students left a lasting impact that will never be forgotten."
The organization held a plant sale on May 23 to honor her work, and the greenhouse was emptied by community members. "She loved her family more than anything and somehow balanced it all while still making every single person feel seen and valued," a statement read. "Her time with our program may have been short, but her impact will last forever."
Morgan had been an educator for over 20 years and enjoyed reading, baking, and landscaping, according to the school district. She and her husband also owned the Carsonville Hotel, which hosts live music. In 2020, Dennis was diagnosed with Synovial Sarcoma, a rare soft tissue cancer, but was declared cancer-free in early 2021.
