Penny Van Tassel-Himel, a 66-year-old woman from Easton, PA, was found dead in her home on July 7, 2019. She was a well-known community volunteer and an active member of the Greater Shiloh Church in Easton. Her death was ruled a homicide, and police believe she died on July 4, 2019.
Her husband, 80-year-old Edgar Himel, was arrested in Sterling, Colorado, on July 13, 2019, and charged with criminal homicide. Himel allegedly killed Penny and then fled to Colorado, where he was eventually captured. He was later returned to Northampton County to face charges.
The investigation revealed that Penny had called 911 on July 4, 2019, but the responding officers did not enter her home. When police returned for a welfare check on July 7, they found her body in her bedroom with a gunshot wound to the head. A .38 caliber revolver was found in the room.
Edgar Himel was charged with first-degree murder in connection with Penny's death. He was arraigned after being extradited from Colorado. The case drew significant attention due to the delayed police response to Penny's initial 911 call and the subsequent discovery of her body.
Penny Van Tassel-Himel's death and the subsequent legal proceedings against her husband have left a lasting impact on the community, highlighting issues of domestic violence and police response protocols.
