‘Murder-suicide mum’ planned St Patrick’s Day celebration in US
Irish woman, 53, booked dinner for family before brutal killings
yesterday. The event was hosted by Irish heritage group The Sons And Daughters Of Erin, of which the family were members.
Joan, from Coolcuslaugh, near Killarney, emigrated to the US when she was in her 20s.
Club president Willie Puchert said they would honour the family by having an empty table with candles at the event.
They were also planning to have a moment of silence and have a pipe band play Amazing Grace.
Mr Puchert added: “I was shocked. We’re a close-knit community and we consider ourselves an Irish family.
“It affects us all on a personal level through our shared Irish ancestry.”
He later posted a personal tribute on Facebook.
It said: “Joan Huber was one of my
Family died in tragedy
Irish club members. I am shocked and saddened by this. She and her husband had reservations to come to our dinner this Saturday.
“I knew Joan from a few meetings and events she attended. She was quiet and kept to herself.
“I had a real hard time processing this news today.”
Principal of Damonte High School, where the two teenage boys attended, told how everyone was devastated.
Dervel Bell added: “Two of our students died following a domestic situation in their home.
“Reno Police are investi- gating the
Willie Puchert case and because this is an active investigation I am not able to share any more details with you now. “Our counsellors, district level crisis team and community partners will be on campus tomorrow and will be providing any resources our students and staff members require. “They will stay with us for as long as we need them. Counselling and emotional support of staff and students will be our top priority. “It has been such a difficult year for all of us and I appreciate your extraordinary courage over these past few months. We are Mustang strong, and we can rely on each other in this tragic time.” news@irishmirror.ie