Authorities said a North Versailles man shot his estranged wife several times and then killed himself yesterday shortly after dropping off the couples' child at her home.

Police said Robert J. Schneider, 35, was returning his 3-year-old son to his newly-separated wife, Leah Schneider, 28, at her North Versailles home, when the two became involved in an argument and Mr. Schneider shot her three times -- in the torso, neck and hand. Mr. Schneider then shot himself in the head, police said. The child was unharmed.

Ms. Schneider was flown to Mercy Hospital, where she was in critical condition and was undergoing surgery for her wounds last night.

Her son is staying with relatives.

Police responded to a domestic call at the home at 12:50 p.m. and while en route were told that someone had been shot.

Police found Ms. Schneider in the doorway of her home in the 1000 block of Edwards Street screaming for help. Mr. Schneider was found in the kitchen.

North Versailles police Chief James Comunale said Ms. Schneider responded to officers' questions when they arrived at the scene long enough to describe what happened.

Chief Comunale said Mr. Schneider had the couples' child for several days for a court-mandated visitation. When he returned with the child, the couple began arguing and Mr. Schneider pulled a .45-caliber semiautomatic handgun.

While Ms. Schneider was sitting in a chair, Mr. Schneider shot her three times and then backed into the kitchen where he shot himself, Chief Comunale said.

An autopsy on Mr. Schneider was scheduled today.