Investigators said Tuesday they have developed leads in the brutal slayings of three Manheim Township family members, but haven't yet tracked down the killer.

Investigators did not elaborate on the nature of the leads, but said they have received several tips from residents.

Local and national law-enforcement officials continued to search the Haines' home in the tranquil Blossom Hill neighborhood and surrounding areas for signs of the killer.

"We're all still here working on it," Manheim Township police Chief Neil J. Harkins said Tuesday night. "Almost the entire Manheim Township Police Department, a number of state police, and FBI (agents) are processing evidence."

Lancaster County District Attorney Donald Totaro, who calls the case a "top priority," said "officers have received information from a number of concerned citizens, and they continue to track those leads."

Investigators said they are still searching for clues at the Haines' home at 85 Peach Lane. They plan to stay there for days.

It was on the second floor of their home where Thomas Haines, his wife, Lisa, and the couple's 16-year-old son, Kevin, were found dead early Saturday morning. Mr. and Mrs. Haines were found in their bedroom and Kevin was on the floor of an upstairs hallway, police said.

Mr. Haines and his son had both been stabbed multiple times in the chest. Mrs. Haines was stabbed once in the abdomen, investigators said.

Police suspect the murder weapon was a knife. As of late Tuesday, a weapon had not been recovered.

The lone survivor of the attack, 20-year-old Maggie Haines, was staying with family Tuesday at an undisclosed location.

Maggie Haines called 911 from a neighbor's house at 2:24 a.m. Saturday, after she encountered her mother in the master bedroom, who told her to "go get help."

Police haven't said if Mrs. Haines had already been attacked when she instructed her daughter in a low, calm voice. Mr. Haines was laying down on the bed, next to his wife, when Maggie stopped at their bedroom. Police haven't said what condition Mr. Haines was in at that time.

Maggie previously awoke and left her bedroom after hearing the sounds of a struggle in her brother's room, she told police.

Totaro did not say whether Maggie is considered a suspect.

"Maggie has been very cooperative with investigators in this case," he said.

Maggie was home with her family Friday night, a day after returning from Bucknell University for the summer. Police said the family was watching TV together in the hours before the slayings.

While law enforcement officials continue to search for the killer, Lancaster County Coroner Dr. G. Gary Kirchner provided some details Tuesday about the slayings.

"These killings are violent and brutal," Kirchner said. "This is not a sterile hit."

Kirchner said the term "sterile hit" is used to describe a homicide scene with little blood, often a sign the crime was done quickly.

This was done "up close and personal," Kirchner said.

Although investigators have received tips from the public, they are looking for more clues that could help identify the killer or reveal a possible motive.

State police canvassed the neighborhood Tuesday and handed out three-page questionnaires to residents in hopes of gaining information that would point them to a suspect.

"We believe somebody out there knows what happened, and they need to call us," Harkins said.

For the time being, police are urging residents to lock their doors and call 911 if they see or hear anything suspicious.

Anyone with information about the triple homicide or the victims should contact Manheim Township police at 569-6401 or Lancaster City/County Crimestoppers at (800) 322-1913.

E-mail: bhambright@lnpnews.com