Mary Louise Meixell-Moyer, a 62-year-old woman from Bethlehem, PA, tragically died on December 22, 2017. She was born in Bethlehem and worked as a waitress in several restaurants throughout the Lehigh Valley. Mary was the daughter of Rosemarie Meixell and the late Charles Meixell, Sr. She is survived by her mother, a daughter named Serenity "Reni" Andrew, and a sister, Rosemarie Meixell-Neith.
Mary's death was the result of a violent incident involving her son, Justin Kephart. On the day of her death, Justin Kephart, who had a troubled relationship with his mother, shot Mary Louise multiple times before engaging in an eight-hour standoff with police. During the standoff, Justin fired over 100 rounds at the police before ultimately taking his own life. Authorities found that Justin was not legally allowed to possess firearms due to a previous felony drug conviction, and it is believed he obtained the weapons from his father's collection.
The incident began when a neighbor reported seeing Mary Louise bleeding on the front lawn, prompting police to respond to the scene. Upon arrival, Justin began firing at the officers, leading to a prolonged and dangerous standoff. The police eventually discovered Justin's body along with multiple firearms and drug paraphernalia in the home. The following day, Mary Louise's father, Dale Clark Kephart, was found dead in his Allentown home, having taken his own life.
The tragic events surrounding Mary Louise Meixell-Moyer's death highlight the devastating impact of domestic violence and mental health issues. The community was left in shock as they grappled with the loss of a beloved mother, sister, and grandmother. The case also raised questions about gun control and the importance of addressing mental health concerns to prevent such tragedies in the future.
