Gary Moyer Obituary, Death: Police ID 73-year-old man fatally shot in South Whitehall after refusing to drop gun

Gary Moyer Obituary, Death – Authorities in Lehigh County have released the identity of the man who was fatally shot by police in South Whitehall Township after allegedly refusing to drop his weapon during a confrontation on Wednesday afternoon.

According to Coroner Daniel A. Buglio, the deceased has been identified as 73-year-old Gary Moyer. The incident unfolded at Moyer’s residence, located in the 100 block of North 38th Street, after a call to 911 alerted authorities to a man brandishing a firearm.

Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan provided additional details in a public statement. He said that officers were dispatched to the scene around 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, following the report of an armed man. Upon arrival, law enforcement encountered Moyer, who was allegedly holding what looked like a rifle.

Police instructed Moyer several times to put down the weapon. When he did not comply, officers attempted to subdue him using non-lethal methods. However, these tactics reportedly failed to deter him from advancing toward them. Despite repeated warnings and the use of less-than-lethal force, Moyer continued moving forward, prompting officers to fire approximately six rounds. Moyer was struck and died at the scene.

Authorities have since begun a comprehensive investigation into the incident. According to the district attorney, a preliminary inquiry revealed that Moyer had been dealing with significant and prolonged health issues. Additionally, investigators found a note inside his home, although its contents have not been made public. An autopsy was scheduled for Friday, and further results, including toxicology, will help determine more about the circumstances of Moyer’s death.

The shooting is now under joint investigation by the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office, the Lehigh County Homicide Task Force, and the Pennsylvania State Police. Officials have said no new information will be released until the investigation progresses further. A spokesperson for the District Attorney’s Office confirmed that there would be no updates on Thursday.

The fatal shooting of Moyer is the second police-involved incident in South Whitehall Township that has ended in a death this month. On May 11, another man—45-year-old Timothy Vanbilliard from Emmaus—died following a separate police response at the Weis Markets located at the Crest Plaza Shopping Center.

The May 11 case also remains under investigation, and officials have released minimal information. Vanbilliard’s cause of death is still pending results from toxicology and microscopic studies, which are expected to provide further clarity.

The recent back-to-back incidents have raised concern among community members, though local law enforcement and the district attorney’s office have reiterated their commitment to transparent and thorough investigations. Authorities continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses to determine exactly what transpired during each event.

In Moyer’s case, investigators are expected to look into body-worn camera footage, 911 call recordings, and statements from responding officers as part of the broader inquiry. They are also reviewing the nature of Moyer’s reported health conditions and whether they may have contributed to his actions or state of mind during the incident.

So far, it remains unclear what prompted the 911 call, whether Moyer had a history with law enforcement, or whether mental health played a role in the confrontation. Authorities have not specified whether the weapon Moyer held was real or a replica.

Moyer’s death has left neighbors and community members in shock. Those familiar with the area described it as generally quiet, and some expressed disbelief that such a deadly encounter occurred at the home of an elderly resident. A few individuals living nearby reported hearing sirens and gunshots but said they did not know what had happened until police cleared the scene.

As the investigation moves forward, the community continues to process the incident while waiting for answers. Law enforcement has asked anyone with relevant information to come forward, though no public appeals for witness statements have been made beyond official channels.

Meanwhile, officials emphasized the importance of letting the investigative process run its course. The district attorney’s office stated that they are committed to conducting a thorough and impartial review, including an evaluation of police conduct during the encounter.

The incident also reignites ongoing discussions around the use of force by law enforcement, especially in situations involving individuals with health concerns or those in distress. Advocates for reform have often called for additional training for officers to de-escalate such situations without resorting to lethal force. However, in this case, authorities insist that multiple efforts were made to subdue the man without causing him harm.

Whether any charges will be filed, or whether the officers involved followed all appropriate protocols, remains to be determined by the investigative findings. The results of Moyer’s autopsy and the content of the note found inside his home could provide significant insight into his actions leading up to the shooting.

As South Whitehall Township continues to reel from two fatal police encounters within the same month, many residents are looking to officials for assurance that all necessary steps are being taken to prevent future tragedies. The findings of both investigations will be closely watched by the public in the weeks to come.