Linda Moser, a 35-year-old woman from Evansburg, PA, tragically lost her life on March 31, 1985. She was fatally shot by her estranged husband, Leon Moser, outside the St. James Episcopal Church in Lower Providence Township, Pennsylvania, after attending Palm Sunday services. The incident also claimed the lives of Linda's two daughters, Donna, 14, and Joanne, 10.
Leon Moser, who had a history of violence towards Linda, including previous threats and physical abuse, carried out the
murders using a bolt-action rifle. After shooting Linda and his daughters, he attempted to take his own life but was apprehended by the police and taken into custody. The tragic event led to a series of legal proceedings against Leon Moser, who was eventually convicted of first-degree murder for the deaths of Linda, Donna, and Joanne.
The case garnered significant media attention and public outcry, highlighting the severity of domestic violence and its devastating consequences. Leon Moser was sentenced to death and executed by lethal injection on August 16, 1995, at the State Correctional Institution at Rockview in Benner Township, Pennsylvania. His execution marked the second use of the death penalty in Pennsylvania since its reinstatement in 1976.
The Moser family's tragic story serves as a somber reminder of the importance of addressing domestic violence and providing support to those affected by it. The loss of Linda and her daughters left a lasting impact on their loved ones and the community, prompting discussions about the need for better protection and resources for victims of domestic abuse.
