A haunting message allegedly left by a father accused of deliberately blowing up his own home while his girlfriend and their three young children were inside has now been revealed.

Jacob Rabb was taken into custody on Monday (March 9) and charged with 25 counts, including attempted homicide, aggravated arson, and criminal mischief in connection with the April 22, 2022, explosion at a home in Plum, Pennsylvania.

At the time of the explosion, the 41-year-old, his then-girlfriend Laura Petty, and their three sons, aged 11, six, and two, were all inside the house but managed to escape.

A man allegedly admitted to blowing up the family home. (Stock image). Credit: simonkr / Getty

Petty initially believed Rabb had saved the family from disaster, even calling him a hero who had rescued them from their "worst nightmare".

"If it wasn’t for Jake, we wouldn’t have made it out," she reportedly told police at the time, cited by the New York Post.

But more than a year later, after filing for a protection-from-abuse order against him in May 2023, she allegedly discovered disturbing handwritten notes hidden in her kitchen cabinets.

According to investigators, one message read: "If I can’t have her no one will or my kids see you all in hell," Penn Live reported. Another line in the note added: "P.S. I blew up the house."

Authorities say Rabb later broke into Petty's home on June 10, 2023, and allegedly held a knife to her throat while threatening to kill her.

"Let’s play a little game," he said before slicing his arm and threatening to provoke police to shoot him, according to the affidavit.

Investigators Say Gas Line Was Intentionally Manipulated

Police allege Rabb caused the explosion by disconnecting the gas line to the dryer, allowing gas to flow freely through the house before the blast.

During questioning related to the later break-in, he allegedly admitted he "disconnected the gas valve" from his ex’s dryer and turned on the gas, per PEOPLE.

He denied starting the 2022 explosion itself, telling investigators he wrote the confession note because he was suicidal. However, investigators say he admitted responsibility to at least two other people, including his father.

"Dad, I blew up the house," Rabb’s father told investigators, his son said, according to court documents.

A supervisor at a sober living home where Rabb stayed in November 2025 also told police that Rabb said he had planned to kill himself, his ex-girlfriend, and their children after having a final meal at Buffalo Wild Wings.

Family Narrowly Escaped Deadly Blast

Police found the home engulfed in flames around 11:30PM on the night of the explosion, with windows blown out and the garage door thrown into the street. Two neighboring homes also suffered thousands of dollars in damage.

Rabb and Petty told investigators they had been asleep when the ceiling suddenly collapsed on them.

Their oldest son, who had been in the basement playing video games, said he smelled gas before the blast and suffered first-degree burns while escaping. "It's amazing they survived this incident," Holiday Park Fire Department Chief James Sim said.

Per CBS News, Lou Bellisario, a neighbor, said people in the community finally have some closure: "We are surprised only because we didn't know for the longest time what had caused the explosion.

"We had some contact with some of the arson investigators, and nobody knew what happened, so it definitely is a surprise to us," they added.

Rabb is being held at the Allegheny County Prison without bail because authorities believe he "poses a threat to [the] victim, witness or the community."

It is unclear whether he has entered a plea. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 18.

Featured image credit: Simonkr / Getty

A Texas woman is facing unimaginable loss after a horrific car crash claimed the lives of her husband and two young children.

Per NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth, Tommy Moorehead III, 41, and his children—6-year-old Lynnlee and 4-year-old Tommy Jr.—were killed when their vehicle was struck in a three-car accident on FM-3133, just west of Jim Cannon Road in Grayson County.

A father and his two young children have died. Credit: GoFundMe

According to police, the collision happened around 12:30PM. when 63-year-old Rocky Patterson attempted to pass another car in a no-passing zone.

Driving a Dodge 3500, Patterson hit a Chevrolet Silverado driven by 74-year-old Dennis Pringle, causing it to catch fire. He then struck Tommy Moorehead’s Toyota Tacoma head-on, killing the father and both children on impact.

Pringle was treated at the scene, while Patterson was hospitalized and later arrested. He faces three counts of manslaughter, each a second-degree felony. He is currently held in the Grayson County Jail on a combined $3 million bond.

The crash devastated Tommy’s widow, Brooke Mustard Moorehead, leaving her to face an unimaginable future. A GoFundMe page set up to help with funeral expenses stated: "In a single instant, Brooke lost everything."

Tommy's widow Brooke Mustard Moorehead lost her entire family. Credit: GoFundMe

A friend wrote on the fundraiser: "She is facing the unimaginable, and she needs all of us to help her through this most painful time."

Remembering the family, the GoFundMe page added: "Tommy was a devoted husband and father, a kind soul who worked hard and loved his family with his whole heart. Lynnlee was full of life, joy, and curiosity. Little Tommy Jr. was just beginning his journey in the world, always smiling and full of love."

At the time of writing, a staggering $92,705 has been raised for the grieving mother.

Credit: GoFundMe

Brooke, who worked in the restaurant industry, was described as: "an anchor in our restaurant family for almost a decade — loyal, hardworking, compassionate, and strong. She has always cared for those around her with love, respect and grace."

An obituary noted that Tommy, a fourth-generation barber and Dallas Cowboys fan, lived for his family.

"Tommy's greatest joy in life was his family. His strength, loyalty, and love were constants in the lives of those who knew him."

A tribute concluded: "Their lives, though tragically cut short, were filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. The impact they made in such a short time will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved them."

Featured image credit: GoFundMe

Mandy Moore has fiercely responded to criticism after sharing a GoFundMe page for her in-laws, Griff and Kit Goldsmith, who lost their home and possessions in the devastating LA wildfires.

Mandy Moore has hit back at critics amid LA wildfire family tragedy. Credit: Araya Doheny / Getty

The This Is Us star - who revealed that her own home was also severely damaged in the fires - took to Instagram to explain her family’s situation.

In her post, per News.com.au, 40-year-old Moore disclosed that her brother- and sister-in-law lost everything in the blaze and needed financial help to rebuild their lives.

"Yesterday, my brother-in-law and sister-in-law Griff & Kit lost their home and everything they own in the Eaton Fire. With their first baby on the way in a matter of weeks, they need our support now more than ever," the actress wrote. "Please consider donating and sharing to help them rebuild."

The GoFundMe page was set up by her friend, musician Matthew Koma, to provide support.

However, not all of Moore’s followers reacted with sympathy. Some criticized her for promoting the fundraiser instead of providing all the financial help herself, given her public success and wealth.

“People questioning whether we’re helping out our own family or attributing some arbitrary amount of money Google says someone has is NOT helpful or empathetic,” Moore wrote in a fiery edited response on the post.

“Of course we are. Our buddy Matt started this GoFundMe, and I’m sharing because people have asked how they can help them.

“We just lost most of our life in a fire too. Kindly F OFF. No one is forcing you to do anything.”

The GoFundMe has exceeded the $175,000 target. Credit: GoFundMe (Screenshot)

The GoFundMe campaign quickly surpassed its goal of $175,000, with actor Zachary Levi contributing $10,000.

Moore’s Personal Losses

Just days earlier, Moore provided a somber update on her own Altadena home, which she shares with husband Taylor Goldsmith. The wildfires ravaged their property, leaving her grappling with what she called “weird survivor’s guilt.”

“Everyone we know lost everything. Every house on our street is gone,” Moore wrote on Instagram, alongside heartbreaking photos of the aftermath. While the main part of their home remains standing, it is not livable, and they lost their studio, garage, and back house.

“We lost Taylor and Griffin’s studio with every instrument and piece of equipment they’ve ever owned. We lost our garage and back house,” Moore shared. “We love this community and will do everything we can to help rebuild and support. Thanks for everyone for checking on us and offering us help. Altadena strong.”

The harrowing situation has drawn eerie parallels to Moore’s role on This Is Us, where her character’s family loses their home in a fire. Co-star Milo Ventimiglia also lost his house in the wildfires, calling the situation “a surreal case of life imitating art.”

"Honestly, I’m in shock and feeling numb for all so many have lost, including my family," Moore wrote in another post about the tragedies. "My children’s school is gone. Our favorite restaurants, leveled. So many friends and loved ones have lost everything too.

"Our community is broken but we will be here to rebuild together. Sending love to all affected and on the front lines trying to get this under control."

Celebrities and Community Devastated

The wildfires have wreaked havoc across celebrity neighborhoods, with stars like Mel Gibson, Bella Hadid, and Paris Hilton among those losing their homes.

The devastating wildfires have already claimed at least 11 lives, with estimates suggesting that more than 10,000 homes and structures have been reduced to ashes, with entire neighborhoods left in ruins, per BBC News.

Credit: NurPhoto / Getty

Governor Gavin Newsom has deployed over 1,400 firefighters to battle the flames, with reinforcements arriving from nearby states. Despite their efforts, containment remains a challenge, and damage estimates have climbed to $150 billion.

President Joe Biden has described the unfolding disaster in Los Angeles as a "war scene," cautioning that the death toll is “likely” to rise as authorities assess the full extent of the damage.

Our thoughts go out to everybody impacted by this unfolded tragedy.

Featured image credit: Amy Sussman/ Getty

The family of a Texas student charged and released over a gun rampage at a high school that left four wounded set up a $25,000 fundraiser to treat his "trauma".

Alleged school shooter Tim Simpkin, 18, was released from police custody on Thursday, October 7, after a bail bondsman put up at least some of his $75,000 bail.

Simpkin is accused of opening fire in Timberview High School in Arlington, Texas, after a fight reportedly broke out in class.

The 18-year-old suspect fled the scene in a vehicle, according to authorities. When he was located by police, he was charged with three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

As reported by ABC News, there were four victims altogether - three of whom were students, and one who is thought to be a teacher.

Three out of the four victims were taken to hospital including a 15-year-old boy who had gunshot wounds and was in a critical condition, a 25-year-old man who suffered gunshot wounds but was in a good condition, and a teenage girl with abrasions who has now been discharged.

Now, Simpkin's family has set up a GoFundMe page following the ordeal in hopes of raising thousands to help the 18-year-old deal with the trauma of his father’s death.

"The fundraiser was removed from the platform because it violated GoFundMe Terms of Service," a statement provided to the Daily Mail read. "Less than $150 was raised and all donors have been refunded."

The original GoFundMe page was reportedly launched Thursday night by Dallas attorney Kim T. Cole and included a note from Simpkin's mother asking for monetary help for her son be able to afford treatment.

"My son has gone through a very traumatic experience," she writes. "He needs counseling and therapy."

However, since its launch, GoFundMe has reportedly removed the account, per Daily Mail.

A spokesman told Daily Mail on Friday, October 8: "The fundraiser was removed from the platform because it violated GoFundMe Terms of Service. Less than $150 was raised and all donors have been refunded."

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has since released a statement about the shooting:

"Our hearts go out to the victims of this senseless act of violence. Thank you to the law enforcement officers and first responders who arrived on the scene to help the victims and prevent further violence.

"I have spoken with the Mayor of Arlington and offered any assistance the state can provide, and I have directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to make state resources available to help bring the criminal to justice."

Featured image credit: M4OS Photos / Alamy

A father has made a bold claim about his son's death after allegedly mistaking him for an intruder.

Michael C. Howard, from Texas, has been charged with fatally shooting his son - who had Down syndrome - after claiming he had mistaken him for an intruder, before later burning his body.

The 68-year-old, who is an attorney in Houston, told the authorities that over the weekend, he was at one of the homes he owned in Sabine County when he accidentally killed his 20-year-old son, Mark Randall Howard, after believing he was a stranger who had broken into the building.

The only other person that had access to the building was a "caretaker."

Credit: Sabine County Sheriff’s Office

Sabine County Sheriff’s Office Deputy J.P. MacDonough confirmed at a press conference that Howard did not call the Sheriff’s Office until the next day, approximately 17 hours after the killing.

Instead, he had used that time to take his son’s body approximately two miles away to a remote area with a tractor and "cremate" it on top of some wood.

The father-and-son duo had traveled to the area a few days prior, on Thursday or Friday, authorities noted.

Howard later told investigators that the whole thing was a “horrible accident," before adding that he had "cremated his son in accordance with what he felt his son would have wanted."

"All bones appeared to have been burned based on charring and the area they were found in, was heavy with soot and ash," the sheriff’s office said in a press release posted to Facebook via a reporter's network.

It was also said that the victim had been formally diagnosed with Down syndrome, but was "high functioning."

"It is a bizarre crime anywhere you are just because of the nature of the event," MacDonough said. "Mr. Howard committed this act and in the furtherance of that, burned the body and cleaned the crime scene, which as an investigator, I would take as indicative of nefarious purposes or for nefarious purposes."

Two days prior to the shooting, Howard had made a call to the police to report the theft of some of his property, including a large mower and a trailer.

According to the New York Post, he declined to say if the thefts might have played a role in Howard thinking his son was an intruder at the home in Sabine County.

The outlet also reported that the senior remains jailed in Sabine County on bonds totaling $20 million after being charged with murder as well as tampering with evidence.

Authorities also stated that additional charges may be filed in the future.

Feature Image Credit: Kali9/Getty