WYANDOTTE – Overwhelmed by the Aug. 28 death of his 75-year-old sister Mary and the failing health of his 82-year-old sister Patricia, 72-year-old Peter Stanak took the life of his surviving sister while she slept, then took his own life Tuesday night.
A neighbor, 68-year-old Michael Ososkie, asked police Tuesday morning to check on the seniors in the 2000 block of 22nd Street since he had not seen them since about noon Sept. 3. A chain latch on the inside of the door prevented him from using his key to visit them.
Police noticed several days’ accumulation of mail and did not see any signs of forced entry. Officials used a multi-tool to cut through the chain and enter the house.
Police Chief Daniel Grant issued a release stating Peter Stanak shot his sister Patricia in the head while she slept, then used the same gun, a .357 Magnum revolver registered in his name, to inflict a fatal gunshot wound to his own head. Officials did not release the contents of the note Peter Stanak left behind.
The home showed no signs of a struggle or fight. The seniors had been dead for several days before they were discovered.
Neither of the Stanaks were married or had children. Peter was a retired postal worker, and Patricia a retired nurse. Both were active members of St. Patrick Catholic Church.