Books Recount '50-Year-Old Killer in the House' Murders

A new book details the 1976 killings of the Abt family in Trevose, Pennsylvania and the investigation that followed.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 4:03pm

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A new book by former reporter Kathryn Canavan recounts the 1976 murders of the Abt family in Trevose, Pennsylvania, 50 years after the tragic crime. The book, titled "A Killer in the House," delves into the details of the case, which saw five members of the Abt family killed by their neighbor George Geschwendt over a personal vendetta. Canavan, who was a 25-year-old reporter covering the case at the time, reviewed extensive records and interviewed key figures to piece together the events of that fateful night and the investigation that followed, which ultimately led to Geschwendt's arrest and conviction.

Why it matters

The Abt family murders were a shocking and tragic event that rocked the Trevose community 50 years ago. The case highlighted issues around bail reform, public safety, and the need for stronger protections for families targeted by violent individuals. Canavan's book sheds new light on this historic crime and the lasting impact it had on the community.

The details

On March 12, 1976, the Abt family - Jack, Peggy, and three of their five children, along with one of their daughter's boyfriends and the family's St. Bernard dog - were murdered in their Trevose home. The killer, 24-year-old George Geschwendt, lived across the street and had a personal vendetta against two of the Abt sons. Geschwendt spent the entire day in the Abt house before carrying out the murders. The crime was discovered by a local police officer, Dave Clee, who was on his way home for dinner. Two of the Abt sons, Clifford and Michael, were spared as one was late getting home and the other was in jail at the time. The case was solved in just 10 days thanks to some key evidence, including the murder weapon being found by local children while fishing.

  • On March 12, 1976, the Abt family was murdered in their Trevose home.
  • On March 17, 1976, the funeral for the Abt family took place at St. Dominic Church.
  • In just over 10 days, the case was solved and the killer, George Geschwendt, was arrested.

The players

Kathryn Canavan

A former newspaper reporter who covered the Abt family murders in 1976 and has now written a book about the case titled "A Killer in the House".

George Geschwendt

The 24-year-old neighbor of the Abt family who murdered five members of the family due to a personal vendetta.

Dave Clee

A Bensalem Township police officer who lived on the same street as the Abt family and discovered the bodies on the night of the murders.

Clifford Abt

One of the two Abt sons who survived the murders, as he was in jail at the time.

Michael Abt

The other Abt son who survived the murders, as he was late getting home that night.

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What they’re saying

“What a strange, strange case. I'm glad we were able to close it as quickly as we did. There was a lot of good police work.”

— Bob Eckert, Detective (northeasttimes.com)

“I think he could have gotten away with it. He could have pulled it off.”

— Dave Clee, Police Officer (northeasttimes.com)

What’s next

Canavan will be holding a book signing on Saturday, March 14, from noon to 2 p.m., at the Barnes & Noble at 210 Commerce Blvd., Fairless Hills.

The takeaway

This tragic case from 50 years ago serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating impact that violence can have on a community. Canavan's book sheds new light on the investigation and the unsung heroes who worked to bring the perpetrator to justice, while also highlighting the ongoing need for reforms to address issues like bail and public safety.