Morbid Real Estate: March Edition

 

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, a suburban row home where a husband shot himself through the heart after trying to murder his wife, and a rental property where one down-on-his-luck man chose death over the possibility of going to jail.

 

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.

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.

View of the death garage from the balcony

 

927 Green Street, Norristown (Montgomery County). Price: $225,000

927 Green St.

 

This 3-bedroom, 2-bath row home is a commuter's dream; located twenty miles from Center City Philadelphia and just a five minute drive from the King of Prussia Mall, this property offers charming old-time small town charm a stone's throw away from the hustle and bustle of modern urban life. Plus it's just far enough away from the city that you don't have to worry about finding a drunk Eagles fan passed out on the hood of your car the next time they win a Super Bowl.

 

927 Green St.

 

This home features two second-floor bedrooms, with a master bedroom on the third floor. So, as an added bonus, you can burn some extra calories and work off that spare tire you've earned from all those late-night Wawa runs. And if that wasn't a big enough selling point, this also happens to be the home where Henry Dotterer unalived himself almost a century ago! 

Someone died in one of these bathrooms. Can you guess which one?

On the morning of October 14, 1927, 45-year-old Henry Dotterer arrived home to find his estranged wife in his kitchen. Instead of offering her pancakes, eggs and a cup of coffee, he instead served his wife a breakfast of bullets. Henry drew his revolver and fired two shots, one of which entered the woman's cheek and lodged in her neck, the other lodging in her abdomen. Fortunately, Mrs. Dotterer survived the ordeal. Henry, on the other hand, didn't fare nearly as well. When the police came to arrest him, he ran into the bathroom and fatally shot himself in the chest. 

 

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.

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!