Names out now on Shamokin shooting
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SHAMOKIN – The victims of the Shamokin double murder/suicide have been identified. The Northumberland County Coroner James Kelley says 42-year-old Joananne E. Grodzki, of Shamokin, and 36-year-old Richard Erb of Coal Township, were shot by 20-year-old Richard A. Zimmerman, Jr., of Shamokin.
The coroner issued a news release Sunday morning, saying all three were pronounced dead by Kelley at the scene, and all died as a result of a single gunshot wound to the head. He said the incident happened at 408 Shamokin Street about 6pm Saturday.
Cpl. Jarrod Scandle of the Shamokin Police Department says a 20-gauge shotgun was used in the crime. They said Zimmerman briefly exited the ground-floor apartment in the three-story building, then returned and shot himself.
Scandle says a total of four shots were fired. Police have indicated that Zimmerman is Grodzki’s son, and no motive for the shooting is being disclosed.
Shamokin city police had assistance from state troopers, Northumberland County D-A Ann Tagonski and Shamokin fire police. Assisting Kelley at the scene was James R. Gotlob, Chief Deputy Coroner, and Gabe DeMarco, Deputy Coroner.