Two Found Dead in Bethlehem Home in Apparent Murder-Suicide; Community Plans Vigil to Honor Sarah Rice
BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Authorities are investigating an apparent murder-suicide after two people were found dead from gunshot wounds Friday night at a home in Bethlehem, according to the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office.
Emergency responders were called at approximately 10:45 p.m. to a residence in the 200 block of 10th Avenue. Inside the home, officials found a 39-year-old woman, identified as Sarah Rice, who was pronounced dead at the scene. A 42-year-old man, identified by family members as Gregory “Greg,” was also found with gunshot wounds.
Gregory was transported to St. Luke’s University Hospital in Fountain Hill, where he was pronounced dead at 11:39 p.m., according to Coroner Daniel Buglio. The deaths are being investigated as a murder-suicide. Autopsies for both individuals are scheduled to be completed Monday, the coroner said.
The investigation is being handled jointly by the Bethlehem Police Department, the Lehigh County Homicide Task Force, the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office, and the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office. Authorities have not released additional details as the investigation remains ongoing.
Sarah Rice’s family released a statement expressing profound grief and inviting the community to gather in her memory.
“Beloved Sarah Rice tragically passed away following a horrific incident at her home involving her partner,” the statement read. “At just 39 years old, Sarah has left behind a void that can never be filled.”
Family members and friends are organizing a candlelight vigil to honor Sarah and remember the moments shared with her.
- Date & Time: January 4, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
- Location: 209 10th Avenue, Bethlehem, PA
- Details: Attendees are encouraged to bring candles and balloons. Sarah’s favorite colors were black and blue.
Sarah Rice is remembered as a devoted mother of four. She is survived by her mother, Lori Rice; her elder sister, Janell Rice; and her children—2-year-old Mila Reign, Gianna, Aria, and Aliyah. Loved ones describe her as a caring and deeply cherished presence whose loss will be felt for years to come.
The Bethlehem Area School District also issued a statement acknowledging the tragedy and confirming that students within the district were affected. 
“The Bethlehem Area School District is aware of a tragic incident involving two of our students and their family,” the statement read. “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 district added that, out of respect for the students and the sensitive nature of the situation, no further details would be shared while the incident remains under investigation. 
As the community mourns, residents and loved ones are expected to gather Sunday evening to honor Sarah Rice’s life and to support one another during an extraordinarily difficult time.