Penny Van Tassel-Himel, 66, of Easton, Pennsylvania, was found dead in her home on July 7, 2019. Police believe she died on July 4, 2019. Responding officers later determined her death was a homicide; she was discovered in her bedroom with a gunshot wound to the head and a .38 caliber revolver was found in the room.

Penny was a well-known community volunteer and an active member of the Greater Shiloh Church in Easton. Her husband, 80-year-old Edgar Himel, was arrested in Sterling, Colorado, on July 13, 2019, charged with criminal homicide and later extradited to Northampton County to face first-degree murder charges. Investigators noted Penny had called 911 on July 4, 2019, but officers who responded that day did not enter the home; police returned July 7 for a welfare check and then found her body.

Anyone who knew Penny, her routines, or who has information about what happened between July 4 and July 7 is asked to come forward.