Father Kills Son, Self: Kenneth Ayers Wounds Estranged Wife, Shoots 2-year-old Son, Commits Suicide During Tragic Custody Exchange

Reports confirm that Kenneth Ayers from central Pennsylvania severely wounded his estranged wife Hollie Jo before tragically shooting their two-year-old son Michael and then taking his own life during a routine custody exchange on Saturday, March 23. Ayers, 52, was subject to a "protection from abuse" order filed by his wife but was permitted to visit regularly with his young son. During this specific meeting, the estranged couple got into a heated altercation which turned deadly - Ayers shot at his own mother and pelted both Hollie and baby Michael with bullets before committing suicide in his truck not too far from the crime scene.

Authorities state that the tragic incident occurred during a supervised visit at Kenneth Robert Ayers' mother's home in Barree Township, Huntingdon County at around 9 a.m. Saturday morning. The former lovers began arguing when Kenneth pulled out a .40 caliber handgun and started shooting. Hollie was shot in both legs and her right arm. Kenneth then turned the weapon on his two-year-old son Michael, ultimately killing him. Kenneth allegedly fired gunshots at his own mother before fleeing the scene but missed - she escaped without injury.

Following the deadly shooting, Kenneth attempted to place his young son's lifeless body in the back of his vehicle, but Hollie managed to retrieve her deceased son before Kenneth drove away. Police claim that during this exchange, Kenneth also shot Hollie in her face.

"Words can't describe the scene ... heartbreaking," Huntingdon County District Attorney George Zanic told The Altoona Mirror outside the home after the shocking tragedy occurred.

Kenneth Ayers' body was found several hours later in his parked truck in a wooded area in Warriors Mark Township. Investigators said that he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police also claim Kenneth drove to his home and switched vehicles before parking along State Route 550, where he committed suicide.

Hollie Jo Ayers was rushed to a local hospital and is expected to survive. Hollie and her mother-in-law, Mary Olive, were both able to provide witness statements to police, insisting that the young boy was intentionally killed by Kenneth, not by stray bullets or sporadic gunfire.

According to state police Captain Daniel Sneath, investigators are currently trying to determine what events led to the shooting rampage and why Ayers was carrying a gun despite the protection order, which forbid him from making contact with his estranged wife.

Police will also seek an autopsy to determine whether Kenneth Ayers was under the influence of any drugs or alcohol.

Thoughts and condolences go out to the Ayers family during this time of unfortunate tragedy.