BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Dozens of people stood outside a home on 10th Avenue in Bethlehem holding candles and balloons Sunday night. It is where police said a murder-suicide happened on Friday.
Bethlehem Police respond to 911 call after child reports suspected murder-suicide scene
“It’s important to be here to really support this family right now,” said Jeani Garcia, executive director of Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley. Garcia was at the vigil.
The Coroner said 39-year-old Sarah Rice and 42-year-old Greg Johnson died.
Lehigh County coroner identifies victims of suspected murder-suicide in Bethlehem
“The community, the village is needed. There’s children who have lost both parents and this is a crisis that affects the entire community,” said Garcia.
Police said a child had been dropped off after a play date on Friday and came back outside saying there was a serious issue that had happened inside the home.
According to Police, two other children were inside the home and safely removed by police.
Investigators said an older adult who was unaware of what happened was also inside and is not a suspect.
“And really what they want to say, the organizers of tonight is that if you are having a mental health crisis, it is not weak to ask for help, reach out,” said Garcia.
Garcia said if you see someone in a mental health crisis to offer support.
“Oftentimes we say people are just having a bad day and not realizing that it’s more than just a bad day,” said Garcia.
Several people at the vigil who did not want to speak on camera said they are saddened by what happened and they are praying for all of those impacted.
“Let’s continue to support this family not just today at a candle lighting, but in the future. This family is going to need a lot of love and support,” said Garcia.