> At a Glance
> – Sarah Rice, 39, and longtime partner Greg A. Johnson, 42, found dead in their Bethlehem, Pa. basement Friday night
> – Police are treating the deaths as a murder-suicide; family say Johnson shot Rice before turning the gun on himself
> – The couple’s 8-year-old returned from a playdate and discovered the scene
> – Why it matters: Four children, ages 2-24, are left without parents as investigators continue to piece together the final moments
A Friday-night homecoming turned into a nightmare for a Bethlehem family when one of Sarah Rice’s young children walked into the basement and found Rice and her partner of two decades, Greg A. Johnson, dead in what authorities now call an apparent murder-suicide.
The Discovery
An adult dropped the 8-year-old off after a playdate shortly before the child ran back outside reporting “a serious issue,” according to Bethlehem police. Officers arrived to find Rice, 39, and Johnson, 42, deceased from gunshot wounds. Two younger siblings-ages 4 and 2-and an older adult were also inside the home; the adult appeared unaware shots had been fired, police said.
Lehigh County Coroner publicly identified the pair Monday.
Family’s Account
Rice’s relatives say Johnson shot and killed her, then took his own life. A GoFundMe organized by Rice’s older sister, Janelle Rice, calls the act “senseless” and “a horrific act of harm,” praising the victim as “a beloved mother, daughter, wife, and friend.”
- Shared children: 8, 4, and 2 years old
- Rice’s older daughter: 24, from a previous relationship
- Relationship length: More than 20 years, though the couple never formally married
Community Response
Neighbors describe Rice as devoted to her kids.
Neighbor Danielle Rau told local outlets:
> “She was very well loved. Her whole life revolved around her children.”
A candlelight vigil is planned outside the family’s residence. The three youngest children are now in the care of relatives, police confirmed.
Investigation Status
Authorities have not yet detailed which person fired the fatal shots but say no suspects are being sought.
Bethlehem Police Department, the Lehigh Valley Homicide Task Force, and the Coroner’s Office continue joint inquiries and have sealed additional information while the investigation proceeds.
Key Takeaways
- Police classify the incident as a murder-suicide; official cause findings are pending
- Four children survive the tragedy; the youngest are 2 and 4
- Local residents plan a neighborhood vigil to honor Rice’s memory
- Investigators urge anyone with information to contact Bethlehem police
The deaths mark the Lehigh Valley’s first homicide case of the new year.
