Sarah Rice, Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley wife and mom of four shot dead by husband, Gregory ‘Greg’ Rice who then shoots self dead at basement of Pennsylvania home in murder-suicide. No known motive.
A 39-year-old woman and a 42-year-old man died Friday night in a suspected murder-suicide at a Bethlehem residence in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania.
Police responded around 10:15 p.m. to a report of an adult female and adult male found ‘unresponsive’ at the home in the 200 block of 10th Avenue according to the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office.
The woman was discovered with apparent gunshot wounds and pronounced dead at the scene at 11:22 p.m. The adult male, who also suffered gunshot injuries, was transported to St. Luke’s University Hospital in Fountain Hill, where he was pronounced dead at 11:39 p.m., Coroner Daniel Buglio said in a statement.
Child comes home only to find mom and dad dead at Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley home dead
A gun believed to be the murder weapon was discovered near the bodies at the basement of the home. Autopsies for both victims are scheduled for Monday, WFMZ reported.
A child reportedly discovered the bodies after being dropped off from a playdate, according to police.
‘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 according to the LehighValleyNews.
Responding officers found two additional juveniles in the home who were unharmed and who were safely removed. An adult was also located in the residence and appeared unaware of the incident. Police do not consider them a suspect. The three juveniles, who were children of the deceased adults, have been placed with family, police said.
Fundraiser launched for surviving four ‘orphaned’ four children
While authorities declined to publicly identify the man and woman involved in the alleged murder-suicide, social media, including a fundraiser, identified the female victim as Sarah Rice and the male as Gregory ‘Greg’ Rice of Bethlehem.
The GoFundMe stated that Rice was a mother of four who was shot and killed by her husband.
‘We have lost a beloved mother, daughter, wife, and friend to a senseless act of violence. A 39-year-old mother of four was tragically taken from us by her husband through a horrific act of harm,’ the fundraiser said. It sought $150,000 to aid with a proper farewell for Rice and care and support for her children.
‘I am humbly asking our village to come together and give whatever you are able to help provide this beautiful soul with a proper farewell, and to ensure her three young daughters—ages 8, 4, and 2—receive the care and support they will need in the days ahead,’ the fundraiser added.
Vigil set to celebrate life of Sarah Rice, Bethlehem wife and mom of 4
Friends and family mourned Sarah Rice, with many describing the wife and mom of four as a gentle soul and sweet. Others advised of a vigil set for Sunday, January 4.
Shared Danielle Rau: ‘As many of you may know, our beloved Sarah Rice tragically passed away following a horrific incident at her home involving her partner. At just 39 years old, Sarah has left behind a void that can never be filled.
‘We invite all who knew and loved Sarah to join us for a candlelight vigil at the site of this tragedy. Let us come together in love and remembrance to honor our dear friend and the many unforgettable moments we shared with her. Date & Time: 01/04/26 @ 7:30 PM Location: 209 10th Ave, Bethlehem, PA.
‘Please bring candles and balloons as we gather to remember Sarah and hold space for one another during this difficult time.’
The investigation remains ongoing and involves Bethlehem police, the Lehigh County Homicide Task Force and the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office. Authorities to date declined to discuss what may have led to the alleged murder-suicide.
