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| 83 Elizabeth St., Pittston |
Spring is almost here, but while March brings on its breath the promise of new life, the following homes have been tainted one way or another by the grim stench of death. This month's selection of Morbid Real Estate includes a half-double owned by a murder victim whose killer has never been caught, a charming historic property whose former owner was flattened like a pancake, and a rental property where one down-on-his-luck man chose death over the possibility of going to jail.
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| 83 Elizabeth St., Pittston |
83 Elizabeth Street, Pittston (Luzerne County). Price: $94,000
First, we have this 3-bedroom half-double in Pittston, which the seller describes as a "perfect opportunity" that offers endless possibilities for investors. Of course, we also heard that same pitch when the Hawk Tuah girl came out with her own cryptocurrency, and we all know how that turned out. I'm not sure what "endless possibilities" the seller is referring to, but, judging by the photos, I've got a suspicion that it might involve cooking up methamphetamine. The seller admits that this property needs some TLC, but that's a lot like saying that you just need a little aspirin for that gaping head wound.
The seller also points out that the last tenant left belongings inside, which certainly raises some questions. Who lived here and what happened to them? Were they picked up by the po-po for installing skimming devices on Sheetz gas pumps? Were they nabbed by an ICE raid? Or did they O.D. after huffing fumes from a can of spray paint? I highly doubt it's the last theory, as it's pretty clear that this flophouse hasn't encountered fresh paint since the Nixon administration.
While the identity of the last tenant is a mystery, research indicates that one former owner of this home was William Lynch, a 50-year-old WPA foreman who was shot from behind on the night of July 12, 1935, as he and his wife were walking home from a wake. "My God, Ella, I'm shot!" he cried, as he fell just a few steps from his home. Lynch was rushed to the Pittston Hospital, where he died a few hours later. According to newspaper reports, the unknown assailant (who was never caught) was a man disguised as a woman.
33 Rider Avenue, Lancaster (Lancaster County). Price: $449,000
33 Rider Ave., Lancaster
This handsome 5-bedroom brick home, which has been split into apartments, is a tribute to the fine craftsmanship of the past; hardwood flooring abounds, and a handsome fireplace can be found in the living room. This property offers tremendous income-producing potential, as the current owner rents out the top floor as a short-term rental on AirBnB, where guests can enjoy a private suite with a living room, kitchenette and a full bath. A two-car garage is also included, offering an ideal place for a workshop. However, if you're the superstitious sort, you just might want to steer clear of the garage.
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| 33 Rider Ave. |
In September of 1935, Harry H. Brubaker was found dead inside the locked garage, in the front seat of his car. Though the engine wasn't running, it appeared that he had been killed by exhaust fumes. Deputy Coroner Trexler ruled the death a suicide, as Brubaker had failed to appear for a court hearing to determine his sentence as a result of lending his car to an intoxicated friend who was charged with drunk driving. Though he most likely would've been slapped with just a fine, Brubaker had lived in fear that he was going to be sent to jail.
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| View of the death garage from the balcony |
215 Walnut Street, Lebanon (Lebanon County). Price: $234,900
215 Walnut St., Lebanon
Finally, we have this historic 2,500-square-foot brick home in downtown Lebanon, which boasts 4 bedrooms and 2 full baths. With a custom-designed living room ceiling and built-in fireplace in the spacious sitting room, this property seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern sophistication. Take in the sights from the upstairs balcony, and enjoy the convenience of the in-bedroom laundry. Lovingly maintained and expertly restored, this gem is perfectly priced for both young families looking for a starter, or happy couples seeking their forever home.
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| 215 Walnut St. |
And, best of all, unlike the homes we typically feature on Morbid Real Estate, nobody met a gruesome death under its roof-- but one of the former owners, a man named Monroe Keath, was killed in a most spectacular manner at work in December of 1915. The story is below, and it's definitely not for the squeamish!
