A "mercy killing" is how Lehigh Valley Hospital officials describe the murder-suicide inside a hospice unit Tuesday afternoon.
Authorities say an elderly man shot and killed his terminally ill wife and then committed suicide inside her 4th floor room. Hospital staff reported hearing two gun shots. When they went into the room they found 83-year-old Mildred Osman dead in her hospital bed and the body of her husband, 86-year-old Elwood Osman.
"It's a love story" said James Geiger, senior Vice President of the hospital.
"The elderly gentleman could not bear to see his wife suffering, and the family, I believe, have observed that he just could not envision living without her."
Patients were still coming in and out of the hospital shortly after the shooting.
The facility was never evacuated because officials said no patients or staff members were harmed or threatened.
"They didn't say anything to us" Elsa Reyes, who had a doctor's appointment about an hour after the shooting, told FOX 29.
Reyes and many other patients had no idea there was a shooting until they saw the crowd of TV news trucks outside. Some raised concerns about security and metal detectors.
"I feel scared to come to the hospital. You know there's no security. I feel so sad for them" said Reyes.
The Osmans lived in the quiet Cherryville community of Northampton County. Neighbors say the couple was rarely seen, except a few weeks ago when an ambulance came to take Mildred to the hospital.
"I couldn't believe this happened so close to my house. A couple doors down. I heard she had cancer and was terminally ill" said neighbor Mark Flanagan.
It is not known if a note was found. An autopsy on both bodies is scheduled for Wednesday.
Friday, May 24 2013 7:29 AM EDT2013-05-24 11:29:02 GMT
Our World War II veterans have seen some of the farthest reaches of the globe. One sight they haven't seen: The World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.
From the beaches of Normandy to the islands of Okinawa, our World War II veterans have seen some of the farthest reaches of the globe. One sight they haven't seen: The World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Monday, May 20 2013 1:25 PM EDT2013-05-20 17:25:38 GMT
A text message that says "I'm about to leave" is the last time Janet Royer had contact with her son Thursday night. "It's like a nightmare, it's the worst nightmare anyone can think of. I keep thinking
A text message that says "I'm about to leave" is the last time Janet Royer had contact with her son Thursday night.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 8:31 PM EDT2013-05-15 00:31:38 GMT
Kermit Gosnell will spend the rest of his life in prison. The 72-year old abortion provider has waived his right to appeal the first-degree murder charge issued by a jury just one day ago.Dr. Kermit Gosnell
Kermit Gosnell will spend the rest of his life in prison. The 72-year old abortion provider has waived his right to appeal the first-degree murder charge issued by a jury just one day ago.
Monday, May 13 2013 7:03 AM EDT2013-05-13 11:03:57 GMT
It was a heartbreaking Mother's Day for the mom of a shooting victim gunned down on South Street as she travels to Philadelphia to identify the body of her son.
It was a heartbreaking Mother's Day for the mom of a shooting victim gunned down on South Street as she travels to Philadelphia to identify the body of her son.
Saturday, May 25 2013 9:06 PM EDT2013-05-26 01:06:21 GMT
Jasmine Moore should be getting ready to celebrate her 15th birthday Sunday. Instead she and several relatives are nursing burn wounds they suffered after fire ripped through their Cobbs Creek home.
A critically injured child along with her relatives are recovering at CHOP after an early morning fire. They say if not for a quick thinking family member things could have been a lot worse.
Saturday, May 25 2013 11:00 AM EDT2013-05-25 15:00:47 GMT
A South New Jersey business owner comes face to face with a suspected robber threatening him with a knife. Thanks to his 7-year-old family pet, the crook ran off.
A South New Jersey business owner comes face to face with a suspected robber threatening him with a knife. Thanks to his 7-year-old family pet, the crook ran off.
Friday, May 24 2013 7:08 PM EDT2013-05-24 23:08:04 GMT
Busy planning your cook-out or trip down the shore this Memorial Day Weekend? Don't forget about the men and women for whom the holiday is observed.
Busy planning your cook-out or trip down the shore this Memorial Day Weekend? Don't forget about the men and women for whom the holiday is observed. FOX 29's Bruce Gordon spent a day with folks preparing a veterans' cemetery for its day in the spotlight.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:48 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:48:26 GMT
Surveillance video you'll see only on FOX shows chaos just after a police officer opened fire on a man who witnesses say had his hands up to surrender. Police deny that claim.
Surveillance video you'll see only on FOX shows chaos just after a police officer opened fire on a man who witnesses say had his hands up to surrender. Police deny that claim.
Police Authorities say an elderly man shot and killed his terminally ill wife and then committed suicide inside her 4th floor room Tuesday.
