“Purpose of scaring him”: Clad in “Scream” costume Pennsylvania man Zak Moyer accused of killing neighbor with knife and Chainsaw

On Monday, March 24, Zak Moyer, 30, was taken into custody for the murder of his neighbor, Edward Whitehead Jr., in Lehighton, Pennsylvania. According to reports, Moyer assaulted Whitehead while dressed as the infamous antagonist from the Scream horror movie series.

The attack took place on Monday afternoon in the Carbon County community, which is situated approximately 25 miles north of Allentown. Whitehead, who was 59 years old, was declared dead at a nearby hospital after sustaining injuries to the head from a knife and chainsaw during the attack.

Suspect Charged with Criminal Homicide in Brutal Attack on Neighbor, Zak Moyer

After the event that took place in Lehighton, Pennsylvania, Zak Russel Moyer, 30, has been accused of criminal homicide for his involvement in the deadly assault on his neighbor, Edward Whitehead Jr., 59. According to a probable cause affidavit, the disturbing attack allegedly involved Moyer using a chainsaw and stabbing Whitehead in the head with a knife.

According to court records examined by Law&Crime, Moyer faced a charge of criminal homicide for his involvement in the slaying. The Lehighton Borough Police Department requested assistance from the Pennsylvania State Police, who were dispatched to the scene on Carbon Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered an ongoing assault in progress, with the victim being assaulted by an individual wielding both a knife and a chainsaw.

According to state officials, Whitehead suffered significant injuries to his right arm and head, which were consistent with defensive wounds. Unfortunately, he ultimately passed away due to his injuries at a nearby hospital.

Further examinations of the incident revealed video evidence of the masked attacker exiting Whitehead’s house and entering the neighboring home of Moyer. As a result, state troopers surrounded Moyer’s residence and the suspect communicated with officials through written messages in a notebook. One particularly disturbing note made accusations against Whitehead, claiming their involvement in violent acts towards women and children.

Zak Moyer willingly turned himself in to authorities without putting up a fight.

Moyer’s sibling disclosed a troubling truth to investigators, declaring,

“He wanted to kill Ed the neighbor, approximately one week ago,”according to the affidavit.

According to his police interview, Zak Moyer reportedly admitted, saying,

“I was the man in the costume.”

According to the affidavit, authorities revealed that Zak Moyer admitted to deliberately killing Edward Whitehead because he believed the victim’s family were murderers. Moyer allegedly confessed to using a knife to fatally stab Whitehead in the head before returning to his home to watch a movie. Detectives discovered that Moyer had hidden a chainsaw in the attic and the knife in a desk drawer, which he admitted to concealing.

During their search, the investigators discovered incriminating evidence, such as a black knife with dried blood, a costume resembling the notorious Scream character, and a battery-powered chainsaw. Currently being held at the Carbon County Jail without bond, Zak Moyer’s preliminary hearing has been set for April 3.