A 911 hang-up call early Friday led police to a grim scene inside a mobile home in East Side Borough, the small community across the Lehigh River from White Haven, where two people were found dead in what investigators say appears to be a murder-suicide. Emergency crews pronounced both victims dead at the scene at about 3:40 a.m.
Coroner identifies victims
The Carbon County Coroner’s Office identified the victims as 59-year-old Samuel Douglas Macadam and 58-year-old Beth Allyson Esa. Macadam’s death was ruled a homicide caused by a gunshot, while Esa’s death was ruled a suicide from self-inflicted gunshot wounds, according to CBS Pittsburgh. The coroner’s statement, shared on social media, said investigators believe the case is a murder-suicide and that there is no known threat to the public.
Scene and response
Kidder Township police and the Pennsylvania State Police were dispatched to a residence on State Street after concerns were raised when a 911 call abruptly disconnected, according to local reports. Officers arrived and found two adults dead inside a mobile home on the property.
Times News reports that autopsies were scheduled Monday at the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office & Forensics Center. A portion of Route 940 was also briefly shut down while investigators processed the scene, WILK News noted.
Ongoing investigation
According to CBS Pittsburgh, the Carbon County Coroner’s Office is working with state police on a preliminary investigation, and authorities have released few additional details as they continue to review evidence. Officials said more information, including full autopsy findings, will be made public when available and urged anyone with relevant information to contact local law enforcement.
Resources for the community
The case remains active, and the coroner’s office has scheduled further examinations to confirm the final cause and manner of death rulings.
If you or someone you know is struggling, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available by calling or texting 988 for immediate, confidential support.
