A tragic and heart-wrenching incident unfolded in Allen, Texas, as two parents and their two children were discovered lifeless in their home, a grim outcome that seems to stem from a distressing chain of events. This dreadful episode transpired just three weeks after the family endured the heartbreaking loss of their 4-year-old daughter, who tragically drowned in a swimming pool.
The distressing discovery was made by local law enforcement on a somber Monday morning. A concerned resident, unable to establish contact with anyone inside the home after being locked out for two agonizing hours, promptly alerted the police for a welfare check, initiating a harrowing chain of events. The authorities arrived at the scene around 8:45 a.m., gaining access to the residence after the arrival of additional family members.
Allen Police released a statement, underscoring the tragic nature of the situation. “After other family members arrived at the house, police gained access and found four people dead,” the statement revealed. In a poignant twist, it was disclosed by The Islamic Association of Allen that the family’s 4-year-old daughter, Lyian Sherwani, had tragically lost her life in a drowning incident just three weeks prior. This poignant information was shared through a newsletter that also announced a prayer vigil to commemorate the bereaved family members, slated for the following day.
Allen Police Sgt. Jonathan Maness, while speaking to PEOPLE, acknowledged that the young girl’s drowning was likely a contributing factor to this devastating event. He confirmed that the incident involved gunfire but expressed an inability to pinpoint the identity of the shooter at this juncture.
Although the police department refrained from divulging additional details about the incident, they assured the public of a comprehensive and diligent investigation into the matter. The other members of the shattered family were identified as Farman Sherwani, his wife Layla Sherwani, and their two sons, Shaheen, aged 12, and Mateen, aged 2.
The grief and sorrow enveloping the community were palpable, as echoed by The Islamic Association of Allen in their newsletter: “We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of 4 family members.” A member of the association further conveyed the depth of their sorrow, telling NBC News that “Waking up to the news of losing a four-member family all of a sudden is not something anyone can be prepared for.”
According to a neighbor, Jacqueline Soto, who spoke to Fox 4 News, the family member who initially sought access to the home was the grandmother, adding yet another layer of heartbreak to this tragic tale.