BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The Lehigh County coroner has released the names of the couple who died in an apparent murder-suicide Friday night in West Bethlehem.
They are 39-year-old Sarah A. Rice and 42-year-old Greg A. Johnson, both of Bethlehem.
Autopsies to determine the cause and manner of their deaths are to be completed Monday, said Lehigh County Coroner Daniel Buglio.
Authorities have not said who shot whom in the basement of a home in the 200 block of 10th Avenue.
A GoFundMe and a vigil for 7:30 Sunday night has been organized by friends and family of Sarah Rice. The vigil will be held outside the home.
Police said they were called about 10:15 p.m. after an adult had dropped off one of the couple’s three children at the home after a playdate.
"The child entered the home, then returned outside (to the adult who had dropped them off) and reported a serious issue had just occurred inside the residence," police said.
Two juveniles and an older adult who were in the home at the time were safely removed by officers, police said.
The adult was in a separate part of the home and seemed to be unaware of the shooting, police said. That adult is not considered a suspect, according to police.
Organizers of the fundraiser and vigil said in social media posts that the couple had three children, ages 8, 4 and 2.
Two of the children attended Bethlehem Area schools.
The Bethlehem Area School District posted the following message on its website:
“The Bethlehem Area School District is aware of a tragic incident involving two of our students and their family. Our hearts are with them and all those affected during this incredibly difficult time. The safety, well-being, and privacy of all students are our top priorities, and the district is working to provide appropriate support. The incident continues to be under investigation by the Bethlehem Police Department. Out of respect for the students and the sensitive nature of the situation, we will not be sharing additional details.”
Authorities said Rice was pronounced dead in the home's basement at 11:22 p.m. Johnson was taken to St. Luke's University Hospital in Fountain Hill where he was pronounced dead at 11:39 p.m.
Both suffered gunshot wounds, and a firearm was recovered from the basement, police said.
