Jun 4, 2009 2 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – Police continue to wait for laboratory testing analysis to determine the cause of death of a man that purportedly killed his girlfriend before taking his own life earlier this week. Investigating officer Connellsville police Det. Lt. Steve Shaffer said Wednesday that a preliminary autopsy report determined that Priscilla Harris died of blunt force trauma to the head. Harris, 58, was found dead by a family member at her 150 S. Eighth St. residence about 6 p.m. while 63-year-old James Claybourne was found deceased by an unidentified acquaintance at a McCormick Avenue location about 12:30 p.m.

“It is still under investigation,” said Shaffer. “I plan to conduct a few interviews this evening to determine why this tragedy took place.

“There is a strong possibility that it is a murder/suicide, but we are keeping all the options open and make sure we cover all the bases before making a final determination.”

Shaffer speculated that with evidence being analyzed at the state police crime laboratory and toxicology testing being conducted, a definitive conclusion might take several days or weeks.

“After we get everything back (from the testing facilities) we should be able to tie everything together,” he said.

Claybourne was enrolled in a violence prevention program at a Pittsburgh halfway house and was on furlough over the weekend.

He had spent nearly 18 months in prison after being convicted of drug possession with intent to deliver.