Sheriff releases names involved in murder-suicide
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POLSON – A father died by suicide after killing his two children in their home on Lakeview Drive in Polson on Friday, March 13.
Lake County Sheriff Don Bell said an investigation is underway. Bell said “it appears” the father killed the children and himself. Bell said the father of the children, Matthew Pruchnik, 49, and the children died from carbon monoxide poisoning in their home. The children’s names were released as Liam Bradly Pruchnik, 7, and Levi Kazio Pruchnik, 5.
“It is suspected that the motive is related to an impending divorce and custody dispute,” Bell said. “Deputies had arrested Matthew on charges related to domestic violence back in August of 2017.”
On Friday, Lake County deputies were dispatched to a residence outside of Polson at around 2:30 p.m. for a report of suspicious activity. “The bodies of one adult male and two young children were discovered in the single-family home,” Bell said.
The bodies have been transported to the Montana State Crime Lab for autopsy. Bell said the Sheriff’s Office sends condolences to the family of the deceased.
