A Pennsylvania man, Zak Moyer, attacked and killed his neighbor, Edward Whitehead Jr., on Monday using a knife and a chain saw while wearing a mask and costume resembling the character from the movie “Scream.” After the attack, Moyer returned home and watched a movie until the police arrived. Whitehead was found with injuries to his head and arm, and he later died in the hospital from his wounds. Moyer was arrested and charged with criminal homicide, and he is currently being held at the Carbon County Correctional Facility.
Lehighton Borough police and state police responded to the active assault incident in Carbon County, where Whitehead was attacked at his home. Witnesses reported seeing a man wearing a mask and costume similar to the “Scream” character leaving Whitehead’s house and entering the neighboring home where Moyer lived. Moyer’s sister informed police that her brother had mentioned wanting to kill Whitehead a week prior to the incident. Moyer admitted to police that he had gone to Whitehead’s home with the intention of scaring him with the costume and weapons but ultimately ended up killing him.
Moyer confessed to stabbing Whitehead in the head and then returning home to watch a movie until the police arrived. He admitted to hiding the chain saw in the attic and the knife in his desk drawer. Police communicated with Moyer through a notebook after establishing a perimeter around his home. Moyer surrendered without incident and has been charged with criminal homicide for his neighbor’s death. The motive for the attack remains unclear, but Moyer’s premeditated intent to harm Whitehead was confirmed by his sister and his own admission to the police.
The violent nature of the attack, coupled with Moyer’s calculated actions and choice of costume, left neighbors and authorities shocked and disturbed. Whitehead’s injuries were severe, resulting in his unfortunate death despite medical intervention. The community is left grappling with the tragedy and the loss of a valued neighbor. Moyer’s actions have raised questions about mental health and the importance of recognizing and addressing potential warning signs of violent behavior. The criminal complaint details the events leading up to and following the attack, shedding light on the disturbing circumstances surrounding Whitehead’s death.
Moving forward, Moyer’s case will proceed through the criminal justice system as he awaits trial and faces the consequences of his actions. The community will seek closure and justice for Whitehead’s family while coming to terms with the shocking violence that occurred in their neighborhood. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers that can exist within a seemingly peaceful community. Authorities will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack to ensure that justice is served, and steps may be taken to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
