In the quiet town of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the life of 39-year-old Sarah A. Rice was tragically cut short on the night of Friday, January 2, 2026. Authorities have described the incident as a heartbreaking murder-suicide that unfolded within the walls of her own home. Rice, a beloved mother of four, was the victim of a fatal shooting at the hands of her longtime partner, 42-year-old Greg A. Johnson, who then took his own life.
The grim discovery was made in the basement of their residence on 10th Avenue. The series of events that led to the authorities being called began when one of Rice's children returned home from a playdate. Shortly after entering the house, the child came back outside and alerted the adult who had dropped them off that something was terribly wrong inside. This prompted a call to 911. When Bethlehem police officers arrived at the scene, they found both Rice and Johnson deceased. Two other children were also present in the home at the time, along with an older adult who was reportedly unaware of the tragic events that had transpired in the basement.
The Lehigh County Coroner's Office later confirmed that Rice's death was a homicide caused by gunshot wounds, while Johnson's death was ruled a suicide. The couple, who had been together for over two decades but were not officially married, shared three of Rice's four children. In the wake of this devastating loss, the community has rallied around Rice's family, which includes her four daughters, mother, and three sisters. A GoFundMe campaign was initiated by her older sister to provide financial support for the children, and a candlelight vigil was held outside the family's home to honor Sarah's memory. Those who knew her remember her as a deeply loved and devoted mother whose life revolved around her children.
