Tragic Murder in Pennsylvania: Man Allegedly Kills Neighbor While Dressed as ‘Scream’ Character
Lehighton Borough, Pennsylvania – In a shocking and gruesome crime that has left a community in mourning, Zak Moyer, 30, has been accused of murdering his neighbor, Edward Whitehead Jr., 59. The incident occurred last Monday in the quiet town of Lehighton Borough, where police were alerted to an active assault.
Authorities arrived at the scene to find Whitehead with defensive wounds and deep cuts, indicating that he tried to defend himself from his attacker. Despite efforts to save him, Whitehead was pronounced dead at St. Luke’s Hospital in Carbon County.
According to reports, Moyer allegedly dressed in a costume reminiscent of the character from the movie Scream, armed with a knife and a chainsaw, before carrying out the heinous act. Following the murder, Moyer returned to his house to watch a movie before being arrested by authorities.
The accused’s sister informed police that Moyer had previously expressed his intent to murder Whitehead a week before the incident. During a negotiation with police, Moyer made unfounded accusations against the victim, claiming that Whitehead had committed crimes against women and children, which authorities have since dismissed.
Moyer initially admitted to intending to scare Whitehead by dressing as the Scream character, but later confessed to planning to murder him. He hid the weapons and costume used in the crime inside his house, where they were later discovered by police.
Moyer has been charged with criminal homicide and is currently being held at the Carbon County Correctional Facility without bond. His father, Francis, was also arrested the following day for harassing Whitehead’s family.
The tragic incident has left the victim’s family and the community in shock and disbelief. Jennifer Whitehead, the victim’s niece, expressed her sadness, stating, “I don’t know what kind of people in this world could do that. That’s the sad thing.” Another family member, Megan Bernosky, added, “It’s been horrible.”
The investigation into the motivations behind this senseless act continues, with authorities reassured that there is no additional threat to the community. Moyer’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 3, as the community mourns the loss of Edward Whitehead Jr.