An autopsy was performed on Monday on the pregnant wife of a Pennsylvania State Trooper who was shot and killed in Montgomery County. Officials say 34-year-old JoAnna Miller died from a single gunshot wound to the head.
Police responded to Miller's home on the 3000 block of Stoney Creek Road in East Norriton Township around 2:25 p.m. on Friday for a report of a shooting. When they arrived, they found Miller unresponsive. She was taken to Mercy Suburban Hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Miller was 23-weeks pregnant at the time of her death. While her baby girl was delivered, she did not survive, according to investigators. Officials say the child never had a heartbeat and never took a breath after the delivery.
While it is unclear exactly how the shooting occurred, authorities say a handgun being handled by Miller's husband, a state trooper, somehow went off inside the home, striking her in the head.
"There is some indication at this point that it was an accidental discharge of the gun," said Montgomery County Assistant District Attorney Kevin Steele. "But that's under investigation at this point. I can't go any further than that."
Steele says the gun that discharged was not a service weapon.
He added that two other children were inside the home at the time.
No charges have been filed. Officials say Miller's husband was the one who reported the shooting. They also say he has remained cooperative with the investigation. The two children are currently staying with relatives.
Neighbors told NBC10 that Miller worked as a civilian dispatcher for the Pennsylvania State Police but was laid off last year. Friends of the couple say they never saw signs of any trouble with the family.
"They were always together," said Patty Evanik. "Always spending time with the family. Always doing things with their kids. I'm very upset because they are good people."
The Montgomery County District Attorney's Office and the East Norriton Township Police Department continue to investigate.
Stay with NBC10.com for more details on this developing story.
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