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Luzerne County District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce (center) held a news conference with Hazleton City Police Chief Brian Schoonmaker (left) and Assistant District Attorney Daniel Marsh (right) to announce an arrest warrant for Terence Leroy Ray in the death of Jessica Ann Lockwood
whose body was found burned on Club 40 Road in Hazleton on April 27
Police say Terence Leroy Ray is on the run
WILKES-BARRE — A man who supplied pain medications to Jessica Ann Lockwood was publicly named her killer during a news conference Monday
is accused of fatally beating and shooting Lockwood
before dumping her body he set on fire on Club 40 Road in Hazleton on April 27
Luzerne County District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce
Hazleton City Police Chief Brian Schoonmaker and Assistant District Attorney Daniel Marsh made the announcement when a criminal complaint charging Ray with criminal homicide
tampering with evidence and abuse of corpse was released
The criminal complaint was filed April 29 under seal
Sanguedolce said the intense investigation by Hazleton police
Pennsylvania State Police at Hazleton and county detectives allege Ray’s Ford Explorer was recorded by surveillance cameras leaving his residence and traveling to Club 40 Road before returning to his home in the early morning hours on April 27
Shortly after Lockwood’s body was found
investigators served a search warrant at Ray’s residence where
Lockwood’s body was found when the Hazleton City Fire Department responded to a report of a possible mannequin on fire on Club 40 Road near East Broad Street at about 7 a.m
firefighters discovered Lockwood’s body wrapped in a tarp after the fire was extinguished
who had an earring in one ear that matched the earring found in Ray’s residence
Charles Seibert revealed Lockwood died from blunt force trauma and a gunshot wound to her chest
The manner of death was ruled a homicide by Luzerne County Acting Coroner Kaitlin Keating
Sanguedolce said Lockwood was reported missing by her family when she failed to pick up her son on April 26
A cell phone tracker located Lockwood’s phone on state Route 424 hours after she was reported missing
Investigators say text messages from Lockwood’s phone revealed she was conversing with “Og,” who was identified as Ray
regarding the purchase of pain medications
told investigators his wife purchased pain medications from Og due to an addiction caused by neck surgeries
Lockwood’s last text message was recorded at 2:33 p.m
Evidence found at Ray’s residence include a pool of dried blood
a trash bag covered in blood and a torn piece of clothing that matched fabric wrapped round Lockwood’s legs
Court records say surveillance footage showed Ray moving Lockwood’s 2022 Honda from his residence to about a block away at 3 p.m
Hours after Lockwood’s body was found
I won’t see you guys again,” according to court records
Ray’s cell phone has been turned off as Sanguedolce believes he obtained another unknown vehicle to flee the area
Ray is believed to have fled Luzerne County and is out of the area and is currently being pursued by police of many jurisdictions
Ray’s whereabouts is asked to call Hazleton City police at 570-450-2080,” Sanguedolce said
Court records allege Ray’s wife and children may be in his company
May 1—HAZLETON — Volunteer firefighter Jessica Ann Lockwood
was identified as the woman whose body was found burning on Club 40 Road on Sunday
Luzerne County District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce confirmed Lockwood's identity on Thursday after the Harman Funeral Homes & Crematory
released her obituary and by a news release
Lockwood was a volunteer firefighter and an emergency medical technician for the Harwood Fire Company in Hazle Township
Officials on Sunday reported the Hazleton City Fire Department responded to a report of a possible mannequin on fire in the area of Club 40 Road and East Broad Street at about 7 a.m
firefighters discovered a human body was on fire and requested the Hazleton City Police Department to the scene
An autopsy by forensic pathologist Dr. Charles Seibert revealed Lockwood died from blunt force trauma and a gunshot wound
The manner of death was ruled a homicide by Luzerne County Acting Coroner Kaitlin Keating
Investigators with the Hazleton City Police Department's Criminal Investigation Unit and the Pennsylvania State Police
Criminal Investigation Unit served a search warrant at a residence on Muir Avenue in Hazleton on Sunday
Sanguedolce in the news release say investigators believe Lockwood's death was isolated
Anyone with information about the ongoing investigation is asked to call Hazleton police at 570-450-2080
© 2025 The Times Leader (Wilkes-Barre, Pa.). Visit www.timesleader.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(WOLF) — A manhunt is underway for 55-year-old Terrance Leroy Ray
who is accused of killing 39-year-old Jessica Lockwood
Authorities warn to not approach Ray but to contact police immediately if he is seen
please call police immediately," said Sanguedolce
and tampering with evidence after Lockwood’s body was discovered wrapped in fabric and set on fire
“The Hazleton Fire Department what they initially believed to be a mannequin
the body of Jessica Lockwood,” said Sanguedolce
Lockwood was slightly charred but mainly unharmed by the fire and died prior
Lockwood’s death was ruled to be blunt force trauma and a gunshot wound
The manner of death through the investigation and cooperation of the coroner's office was determined to be homicide," Sanguedolce said
Authorities believe Ray has fled the area in a vehicle other than his blue Ford Explorer
Ray is believed to have fled Luzerne County
He is out of the area and is currently being pursued by police of many jurisdictions,” said Sanguedolce
investigators found evidence allegedly linking him to the crime
“There was a large pool of blood and a gold stud earring that was missing from Lockwood’s body,” Sanguedolce explained
Officials have not released a motive but stated it was neither financial nor romantic
we have a theory that we’re not quite prepared to make public," Sanguedolce said
Anyone with information is urged to contact Hazleton City Police by phone or through their CrimeWatch page.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Authorities in Luzerne County released new information into the investigation of a woman who was shot and killed
The Luzerne County District Attorney's Office and the Hazleton City Police Department held a press conference Monday afternoon to release more information on the murder of Jessica Lockwood
Lockwood’s body was found burning along Club 40 Road in Hazleton on Sunday, April 27. On Tuesday, April 29, an autopsy revealed the cause of death to be blunt force trauma and a gunshot wound
The manner of death has been ruled homicide
After the discovery of Lockwood's body
authorities investigated a residence along Muir Road
Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Hazleton City detectives' tip line at 570-450-2080 or contact them through the Hazleton Police Department Crimewatch page
FOX56 will have more information on this breaking news story
Cloudy with more rounds of showers and possibly some downpours or a t-storm
- Authorities in Luzerne County have charged a man they say shot a woman
and authorities from multiple jurisdictions are looking for him
The Hazleton City Police and District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce held a news conference Monday on the investigation into the murder of Jessica Lockwood
Lockwood's body was found burning along club 40 Road on Sunday
Authorities said he is believed to have fled Luzerne County and is being pursued by multiple police jurisdictions
Anybody who sees him is asked to call the police
Fire crews responded to an area of Club 40 Road and East Broad Street early Sunday
Firefighters extinguished the fire and discovered that it was a person
a caller reported that Lockwood was missing
and that she did not show up to pick up her son at a predetermined time and location
police obtained a search warrant Ray's home in the 100 block of Muir Street and found a large pool of blood and spent shell casings
as well as a diamond earring belonging to Lockwood
Lockwood had a two-inch laceration to the back of her head
indicative of her head having struck off of a solid object
according to court paperwork laying out the charges against Ray
Lockwood's cause of death was ruled blunt force trauma and a gunshot wound
Authorities said at the news conference that police
tracked Ray's vehicle to the location where Lockwood's body was found
Court paperwork says Lockwood was buying drugs from Ray
Police said at the news conference at this time they are not aware of any other type of relationship between Lockwood and Ray
Anyone with information is asked to call the Hazelton City Detectives tipline at 570-450-2080 or contact the Crimewatch page.
Lockwood was a firefighter and trustee for the Harwood Fire Company
Fire officials say Lockwood was dedicated to a life of selflessness
Lockwood died two weeks short of her two-year anniversary with her husband James and leaves behind two children
A GoFundMe account has been set up to help take care of her kids
Hazleton Police have identified the person found burning on Club 40 Road as Jessica Lockwood
Email notifications are only sent once a day
- The Luzerne County Coroner says 39-year-old Jessica Lockwood died from a gunshot wound and blunt force trauma
Her body was found Sunday along the side of Club 40 Road in Hazelton
and I saw that they had the street blocked
and I thought there was an accident on the corner," said Hazelton resident Pete Gunzerath
People who live along this road would soon find out it was a murder
with the mystery behind what happened growing as the days passed
Pennsylvania State Police searched a home in the 100 block of Muir Street
the DA saying it was related to the case and that the public was in no immediate danger
with locals taking to Facebook to share their grief
A GoFundMe account has been set up to help take care of her kids
Residents say their hearts go out to the Lockwood family
And I hope they get a lot in the GoFundMe and that they have a good support
I hope they have a good support network," added Ferry
The investigation into Lockwood's death continues
Anyone with information is asked to call the Hazelton City Detectives tipline at 570-450-2080 or contact the crimewatch page
- A State Police Forensic Services Unit could be seen back in the area of Muir…
Questions continue to surround a death investigation in Luzerne County
Hazleton City Police say this is the first homicide case they have had in several years
HAZLETON, LUZERNE CO. (WOLF) — The body of a burning woman found in Hazleton has been identified as a firefighter who was previously reported missing
Luzerne County District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce identified the body of a woman who was found along Club 40 Road in Hazleton on Sunday as Jessica Lockwood
An autopsy ruled Lockwood's death to be a homicide caused by blunt force trauma and a gunshot wound
She was a volunteer firefighter and trustee with the Harwood Fire Company
Lockwood was reported missing from Frackville in Schuylkill County
She was a firefighter with the Harwood Fire Company
Authorities indicated that the incident was isolated and they said they do not have information leading them to believe there is any risk to the public
The investigation into the incident is ongoing and anyone with information is bein gasked to call Hazleton City detectives’ tip line at 570-450-2080
Commonwealth University (CU) announced an educational partnership with Luzerne County Community College (LCCC) and Hazleton Area School District (HASD) at a ceremony at LCCC’s Hazleton Center on Thursday
dubbed the “Teach in NEPA Project,” will begin in the fall 2025 semester
It will create a seamless transfer pipeline for students to attain an associate degree in early childhood education at LCCC that will guarantee junior status in CU’s PK-4 early childhood education major
CU will deliver the last two years of the academic program in a combination of face-to-face courses at LCCC’s Hazleton Center or through online learning
The partnership will create a local education hub in the HASD for students to complete their practicum observations and student teaching experiences
cost-effective pathway to a debt-free bachelor’s degree in education
while addressing the critical teacher shortage in Pennsylvania
The partnership will also produce new teachers and provide those teachers with student teaching opportunities at HASD
“We are excited to collaborate with our colleagues at Luzerne County Community College and the Hazleton Area School District to provide students a clear and seamless matriculation path to Commonwealth University as part of an affordable pathway to a degree in education,” said Bashar W
“This partnership will help our communities address the teacher shortage in Pennsylvania.”
Students will participate in classroom observations
Access to local student teaching experiences will eliminate any barriers students traditionally face by often being required to travel outside their local area
The Hazleton Area School District will work with the LCCC and CU leadership teams to create opportunities to retain graduates of the partnership for employment at HASD following graduation
Hazleton Area School District contains 16 schools and has 13,700 students
Luzerne County Community College is the number one institution for students transferring to Commonwealth University to complete a four-year degree
LCCC also has the highest four-year graduation rate of transferring students at CU at 70.5%
More information about the partnership and the Teach in NEPA Project.
There is still time to apply for financial aid and start college in the fall
©2025 Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania
- A State Police Forensic Services Unit could be seen back in the area of Muir Avenue in Hazleton on Tuesday
the same area police had taped off on Sunday
There is no word on what police may have been doing on Muir Avenue on Tuesday
Authorities said they were in this area this past weekend in connection with a Schuylkill County woman who was found dead and on fire in the area of Club 40 Road and East Broad Street around 7 a.m
Police said a report initially came in that a mannequin may have been on fire after being spotted by someone passing by
Authorities said when the fire department arrived and saw there was a body
Hazleton Police and the Luzerne County District Attorney's Office said they are investigating the suspicious death
Investigators said an autopsy was scheduled for Tuesday morning
Police are asking anyone with information on the woman's death to contact them
Information on autopsy results and the woman's identity have not yet been released
Students in Hazleton will soon be able to earn a four-year teaching degree without ever leaving the city
With 5,500 teacher vacancies statewide, Luzerne County Community College, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania and the Hazleton Area School District announced the creation of a “Grow Your Own” model on Thursday
Students can spend two years at LCCC and two years at Commonwealth
with all classes either in-person in Hazleton or online
Commonwealth University was created in 2022 with the merger of Bloomsburg
It’s a way for them to get that education they want at a very affordable price.”
college and community leaders gathered at the LCCC Hazleton center
Students can begin earning credits in high school through dual enrollment
They can then earn an associate's degree in early childhood education at the Hazleton center
Students are then guaranteed junior status with Commonwealth and can earn the remaining credits needed for a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education while remaining in Hazleton
the graduates will be eligible to teach in preschool through fourth grade
Enrollment continues to grow in the Hazleton Area School District
About 70% are Hispanic — a population underrepresented in education careers
The school district will welcome observations
Eliminating the need for travel to classes or to student teaching helps eliminate barriers
The district also hopes to hire graduates for teaching vacancies
with the attrition rate of 7.7% in 2022-23 being the highest on record
districts increasingly rely on those with emergency certifications to fill vacancies
Those teachers must have bachelor’s degrees
Students can seek financial aid and scholarships
The schools call the new program the “most affordable pathway to a debt-free college degree in Pennsylvania.”
In March, LCCC hosted a State Board of Higher Education hearing about possible solutions for the challenges faced by higher education
“This is a big solution to the challenges of access and affordability,” LCCC President John Yudichak said Thursday
“This is a whole new model for higher education
It's exciting news for the city of Hazleton and Hazleton Area School District
and really for the higher education landscape in Pennsylvania.”
Yudichak and Commonwealth University President Bashar Hanna said more degree programs could eventually come to Hazleton
“If you have an educationally vibrant community, you have a vibrant community,” said Hanna, who announced this week he would leave the university in July and become vice chancellor for strategic initiatives for Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education
“We want to be partners with you to make sure Hazleton
becomes something that you can only imagine today.”
WVIA News wants to hear from you! If you have a story idea for one of our journalists, it's as simple as sending an e-mail. Reach out anytime at wvianews@wvia.org
(WOLF) — Authorities are investigating after human remains were discovered early Sunday morning in Hazleton
the Hazleton Police Department's Special Response Unit was joined by the Pennsylvania State Police
and Wilkes-Barre Police and conducted a search warrant at 137 Muir Ave
in connection with the body found on Club 40 rd
the Hazleton City Fire Department was dispatched to the area of Club 40 Road and East Broad Street for a report of a mannequin on fire
firefighters determined it was not a mannequin but human remains
The Hazleton City Police Department was immediately called to the scene
The Hazleton City Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Unit
along with the Pennsylvania State Police Crime Investigation Unit
no information about the victim or the cause of the fire has been released
Public Information Officer Jessica Surkin tells FOX56 that investigators believe a house along Muir Road may be connected to the incident
Police are currently working to collect evidence linking the two locations
“Hazleton City Fire Department was dispatched to the area to extinguish the fire and realized it was not a mannequin
“Hazleton City Police Department immediately arrived on scene
we have no more information on what is occurring within the investigation.”
Surkin also urged the public to be cautious of misinformation
“There’s going to be a lot of rumors and a lot of misconceptions about what’s going on today,” she said
“We don’t want the public to believe anything they see unless it is coming directly from the Hazleton City Police Department or the Pennsylvania State Police.”
If anyone has information or home security footage or would like to report a tip, please contact 911 or submit a tip on the Crimewatch Page
Officials say they expect to share more information in the coming days
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— Volunteer firefighter Jessica Ann Lockwood
Luzerne County District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce confirmed Lockwood’s identity on Thursday after the Harman Funeral Homes & Crematory
Lockwood was a volunteer firefighter and an emergency medical technician for the Harwood Fire Company in Hazle Township
Officials on Sunday reported the Hazleton City Fire Department responded to a report of a possible mannequin on fire in the area of Club 40 Road and East Broad Street at about 7 a.m
firefighters discovered a human body was on fire and requested the Hazleton City Police Department to the scene
Charles Seibert revealed Lockwood died from blunt force trauma and a gunshot wound
Investigators with the Hazleton City Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Unit and the Pennsylvania State Police
Criminal Investigation Unit served a search warrant at a residence on Muir Avenue in Hazleton on Sunday
Sanguedolce in the news release say investigators believe Lockwood’s death was isolated
Anyone with information about the ongoing investigation is asked to call Hazleton police at 570-450-2080
© 2025 The Times Leader (Wilkes-Barre, Pa.).Visit www.timesleader.com.Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Copyright ©2023 Lexipol. All rights reserved.Do Not Sell My Personal Information
(WOLF) — Hazleton Police and the District Attorney’s Office confirmed the death of a Schuylkill County woman whose body was found on Sunday
Acting Coroner Keating has scheduled an autopsy for Tuesday at 9:00 A.M
in connection with the body found on Club 40 Rd
A burning body was discovered in Hazleton early Sunday morning
according to the Hazleton City Police Department
Officials said the Hazleton City Fire Department responded around 7 a.m
to a report of a possible mannequin on fire in the area of Club 40 Road and East Broad Street
firefighters noticed it was not a mannequin and requested the Hazleton City Police Department to the scene
Police said there is no information about the victim or the cause of the incident at this time
Hazleton City Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Unit and the Pennsylvania State Police Crime Investigation Unit is actively investigating the incident
By Margaret Roarty mroarty@timesleader.com
Investigators identified the burning body discovered Sunday in Hazleton as a woman from Schuylkill County
Hazleton City Police Chief Brian Schoonmaker and Luzerne County District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce confirmed the investigation in a press release Monday
which described the woman’s death as suspicious
An autopsy was scheduled by Acting Coroner Kaitlin Keating for 9 a.m
Times Leader news-gathering partners at Eyewitness News (WBRE/WYOU) reported that a search warrant was served Sunday to one side of a double-block home on Muir Avenue
about six minutes away from where the body was discovered
Hazleton City Police Department public information officer
later confirmed to the news station that the home was searched in connection with the investigation
Officials said the Hazleton City Fire Department initially responded around 7 a.m
Sunday to a report of a possible mannequin on fire in the area of Club 40 Road and East Broad Street
firefighters realized it was actually a human body and requested the Hazleton City Police Department to the scene
Anyone with information regarding the investigation — including home security footage — or who would like to report a tip are asked to contact 911 or visit the Hazleton City Police Crimewatch Page.
Further details will be released as they become available without impairing the integrity of the investigation
Hazleton Area third baseman Bryant Diaz throws across the diamond for an out at first base
Hazleton Area starter Chris Peters pitched 3.1 inning against Wilkes-Barre Area
Hazleton Area’s Logan Hearity dives for home plate to score in the second inning against Wilkes-Barre Area
Wilkes-Barre Area’s James Bottger started the game against Hazleton Area
Hazleton Area’s Bryant Diaz is out at third as Wilkes-Barre Area’s Declan Gregor makes the tag in the first inning
Wilkes-Barre Area shortstop Jake Howe makes the throw to first after fielding the ball in the first inning
Hazleton Area’s Dom Marino is safe as Wilkes-Barre Area third baseman Declan Gregor was late with the tag in the first inning
— Hazleton Area was able to jump out quickly against one of the Wyoming Valley Conference’s top pitchers and keep its chances for a sixth consecutive division title alive
The Cougars scored four runs in the first inning
led by seven going into the sixth and finished with a 10-4 victory over Wilkes-Barre Area in a Wyoming Valley Conference Division 1 baseball game
11-4 overall) is the only team which can catch Pittston Area (11-0 Div
17-0) as the regular season wraps up next week
The two teams play at Pittston Area on Monday weather permitting
The Cougars had the task of solving WBA ace James Bottger
who entered the game averaging over two strikeouts per inning
Nick Ledger put the first piece in place with a two-run single in the first
Dom Marino later tripled Ledger home and eventually scored on an error
An RBI single by Ryan Racho scored two more for Hazleton Area in the second
with Chris Knelly scoring on the hit and Logan Hearity crossing the plate on an error on the play
Hazleton Area scored just four runs against Bottger in 5.1 innings in a 6-4 win
“He was pretty dominant,” Hazleton Area coach Russ Canzler said
“He kept our bats at bay and it wasn’t until the sixth inning to really manufacture some things
so I was really pleased with how we came out
“That’s always a good sign against him
I think he’s one of the best arms in the conference.”
Knelly hit an RBI single in the fourth and Ledger plated a run with a sacrifice fly in the sixth for an 8-0 lead
WBA finally broke through in the sixth with four runs
and he and Bottger later scored on wild pitches
An error on Koleton Davies’ single allowed the final run as the Wolfpack cut the deficit in half
WBA’s only hit was a single by Jacob Chupka in the second inning
“We didn’t hit the ball,” WBA coach Matt Skrepenak said
we weren’t at our best and defensively we threw the ball around a little bit
came right back with two runs in the seventh
Bryant Diaz crushed an RBI triple into the left-center gap and scored when AJ Collevechio following with a groundout
10-7) will now set its sights on seeding in the District 2/4 Class 6A tournament
The top-two seeds gets byes into the semifinals