Chainsaw-wielding man in ‘Scream’ costume accused of killing next-door neighbor- Zak Russel Moyer, a 30-year-old man from Pennsylvania, was arrested and charged with criminal homicide after allegedly killing his next-door neighbor, Edward Whitehead Jr., 59, with a chainsaw and a knife while dressed in a costume resembling the villain from the “Scream” movie franchise.
The incident occurred on Monday, March 25, 2024, when Moyer attacked Whitehead at his home on Carbon Street in Lehighton, Pennsylvania. Moyer was wearing a black costume consistent with the “Scream” movie character, and he used a chainsaw and a knife to inflict injuries on Whitehead. Whitehead suffered bleeding injuries to his right arm and head, which were consistent with self-defense wounds. He was taken to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Investigators determined that Moyer was inside his house after conducting interviews with residents in the area and reviewing video footage. The footage allegedly showed the costumed man leaving Whitehead’s house from the rear and entering the house next door, which was Moyer’s residence. State troopers established a perimeter around Moyer’s home and communicated with him through writings in a notebook. One note from Moyer to the police allegedly said, “Ed murdered women and kids Eddie JR murdered women and kids last summer”.
Moyer eventually surrendered to authorities without incident. His sister told detectives that her brother had expressed a desire to kill Whitehead, approximately one week before the incident. Moyer allegedly confessed to being the man in the costume and that he went to his neighbor’s home to scare him. He admitted to intentionally killing Whitehead because he believed the family were murderers. Moyer also admitted to stabbing the victim in the head with a knife before returning home to watch a movie until police arrived. He allegedly told detectives he was hiding the chainsaw in the attic and placed the knife in a desk drawer.
Investigators who searched Moyer’s home found a black knife with dried blood, a costume, and a battery-powered chainsaw. Moyer is set to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on April 3.
This incident underscores the dangers of domestic violence and the potential for tragic consequences when weapons are involved. It also highlights the importance of community safety and the need for vigilance in identifying and addressing threats to neighbors.
