Officials:Man kills wife, self

By Mark Leberfinger, mleberfinger@altoonamirror.com
HOLLIDAYSBURG — A domestic-related murder-suicide shattered an idyllic Frankstown Township neighborhood Friday.

Robert Reffner, 49, of Burket Spur Road, Hollidaysburg, shot his wife, Tammie, also 49, outside their home about 9:55 a.m. before killing himself, state police at Hollidaysburg said.

The Reffners were pronounced dead at the scene by Blair County Coroner Patricia Ross.

‘‘It’s a very sad situation,’’ Ross said.

Robert Reffner contacted relatives, telling them what he had done and that he was going to shoot himself, police said. The relatives then called state police.

The shootings still are under investigation, said Trooper David McGarvey of the Hollidaysburg barracks.

“As far as we know, there has not been a history of domestic violence between the two,” he said.

A longtime neighbor who had known the Reffners for about 25 years said he also wasn’t aware of any issues with the couple.

“My wife and I talked about this, and we’re at a loss to whatever happened. We feel badly for the children,” said the man, who asked not to be identified.

The Reffners are survived by an adult son and daughter, Ross said.

Tammie Reffner’s homicide is the second in Blair County this month and this year. Shawn Patrick Noel, 18, of Altoona died after an April 6 stabbing on the 900 block of 17th Avenue.

A few neighbors were out doing yard work in their West Loop development Friday afternoon. The Reffner home sits on top of a hill, the last house on Burket Spur Road.

Neighbor George Wilson said he was outside when he heard a single gunshot coming from the area of the Reffner home.

‘‘I heard this shot. I thought somebody must be shooting groundhogs in the field, but I only heard one shot,’’ he said.

A short time later, ambulances and state police responded to the scene.

Mirror Staff Writer Mark Leberfinger is at 946-7462.