Fatal House Fire in Dauphin County Ruled Murder-Suicide

LOWER PAXTON TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A tragic incident over the weekend has been confirmed as a murder-suicide after two people died from gunshot wounds in a house fire in Dauphin County. The event occurred Sunday morning on Fairfax Drive, leading to an investigation by local authorities.

The Dauphin County commissioners confirmed that 33-year-old Elise Salcedo was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, while 40-year-old Gary Gibson Jr. was pronounced dead from a gunshot wound ruled a homicide. According to District Attorney Fran Chardo, Salcedo killed Gibson before taking her own life.

Authorities responded to the fire around 10:00 AM, discovering Gibson’s body on the second floor of the home and Salcedo on the first floor. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and the autopsy results are pending. Tragically, four dogs also perished in the fire. However, three dogs that were found outside the residence are being cared for by the Dauphin County Humane Society.

While further details about the relationship between Salcedo and Gibson are unclear, officials continue to gather information to establish a motive for the incident. The community is in shock as they await more answers from investigators.

“It’s very rare to see something like this happen in our community. We’re all deeply affected,” said a neighbor who requested to remain anonymous. Authorities have indicated they are pursuing all leads in this ongoing investigation.

In a separate and unrelated incident, the Central Dauphin School District has cited former teacher Miracle Stokes for harassment after she allegedly pushed and kicked a special needs student at Linglestown Middle School in January. As a result, Stokes was placed on administrative leave and subsequently resigned on February 5.

Meanwhile, in Lancaster County, a 12-year-old boy tragically lost his life after a ziplining accident in his family’s East Hempfield Township backyard. Police reported that a tree supporting the zip line broke, causing it to fall on the boy during his ride.

In another investigation, the Lancaster County Police Department released video footage of a driver who collided with multiple objects in a parking lot. The incident occurred after 8:00 PM on South Centerville Road, but fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Additionally, the long-awaited trial of Jerry Baggenstoss continues this week as he faces charges for the murder of his estranged wife, Marianne, who disappeared in 1984. Testimonies from daycare workers have surfaced, indicating that Marianne had expressed fears for her safety amidst a custody battle shortly before her disappearance.

Finally, Pennsylvania correctional officers are voicing concerns over Governor Josh Shapiro’s plan to close two prisons, fearing it may compromise safety. The plan aims to save money but has faced significant pushback during discussions in the state capitol.