Police Unclear On Motive In Death Of Immigrants

"ALLENTOWN, PA — A Syrian immigrant from Allentown shot and killed his ex-wife before killing himself today, according to the Lehigh County coroner.

"Coroner Scott Grim confirmed that Mouwaffak L. Makhoul, 51, shot and killed Etab Makhoul, 36, this morning at her home on 1931 East Greenleaf Street in Allentown.

"Mouwaffak L. Makhoul then shot and killed himself, Grim confirmed in a news release.

"Police were called to the home at 8:51 a.m. Grim pronounced Etab Makhoul dead at 9:31 a.m. and Mouwaffak L. Makhoul dead at 9:32 a.m. Both died of gunshot wounds to the body, Grim reported. Autopsies are scheduled for Monday.

"It's unclear what sparked the shooting. Police on the scene would not comment on the matter. Nor would Lehigh County Coroner Scott Grim.

"Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin said the motive remains unclear.

"`I know the parties were either divorced or estranged. I don't know anything beyond that,` he said."

Source: lehighvalley.com...