Child returning home from playdate finds parents dead from apparent murder-suicide

BETHLEHEM, Pa. (TCN) — A mother and father of three children are dead in an apparent murder-suicide, authorities say.

The Lehigh Daily News reports that on Jan. 2, a child returning home from a playdate with another family discovered the bodies of Sarah Rice, 39, and Greg Johnson, 42, in the basement. The child came outside to tell an adult what had happened, and the adult called 911. Rice and Johnson died from gunshot wounds to their heads, according to authorities.

Rice’s sister, Janelle Rice, said it was a murder-suicide carried out by Johnson, but the deaths have not been officially classified by authorities. According to the Lehigh Valley News, the manner of death remains pending until the investigation is complete.

There were two more children and an older adult in the home, but they were unaware anything had happened, the Lehigh Valley News reports. Police said the older adult is not considered a suspect in the deaths.

Rice and Johnson were together for more than 20 years but were not legally married, according to the Lehigh Valley News. They were the parents of three children, ages 8, 5, and 2. 

People reports the couple’s children have been placed with other family members.