Lehighton, Pennsylvania – A man from Lehighton, Pennsylvania, has been arrested and charged with the brutal murder of his neighbor, who was found dead in his home on Monday. According to state police, Edward Whitehead Jr., 59, suffered severe lacerations on his head and arm, along with defensive injuries on his hands. The alleged assailant, Zak Moyer, 30, was captured on surveillance footage leaving the victim’s residence and later surrendered to the police. Moyer, who was dressed in a “Scream” movie franchise mask during the attack, is now facing a charge of homicide and is being held without bail.
State Trooper Anthony Petroski stated that Whitehead was attacked multiple times with a knife and a battery-powered chainsaw. Moyer, clad entirely in black, allegedly carried out the assault while wearing the iconic “Scream” mask. The investigation revealed that Moyer and Whitehead were immediate neighbors.
During the investigation, Moyer communicated with the police through written notes, making unsubstantiated allegations about Whitehead’s involvement in criminal activities. However, Petroski emphasized that these claims were not being investigated by the police.
Further examination of the evidence showed that Moyer’s sister had informed the police about his intentions to kill his neighbor a week prior to the incident. After the alleged murder, Moyer returned to his home to watch a movie, waiting for the police to arrive. Authorities later discovered the battery-powered chainsaw, knife, and mask hidden in his residence.
Moyer’s mugshot revealed a red injury and remnants of a bandage under his eye, which he claimed was inflicted by Whitehead. Meanwhile, the victim’s niece, Megan Bernosky, described the incident as “mind-numbing.”
District Judge Eric Schrantz arraigned Moyer on a charge of homicide, and he is currently being held without bail at the Carbon County Jail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 3. In a separate incident, Moyer’s father, Francis Moyer, was arrested on harassment and related charges after he allegedly harassed the Whitehead family.
The investigation into the motive for the attack is ongoing, with authorities continuing to gather evidence and interview witnesses.