BERWICK, Pa. — A death investigation is underway in Columbia County.
Troopers said Sabatino Defebo, 66, was found dead in the area of Moore’s Road, North Centre Township, Columbia County.
A viewer captured a photo just after 7 a.m. Thursday, showing unmarked police cruisers and tents near the bridge. She tells Newswatch 16 troopers told her a walker or runner discovered something there.
A Briar Creek North Centre police unit was still parked by the bridge when we arrived. The area in question sits just a few hundred yards from Brookside Village.
Sandra Koffel says she came out to see what was going on but couldn't see much from her porch.
"When I looked over, I saw all the lights and thought they must have finally pulled over someone that drives fast down this road," Koffel said.
She says this is a quiet, calm community, and she was surprised to learn a body was found so close to her home.
"I'm just shocked because I always go walking down to the bridge, and it's beautiful and quiet here. We never have a lot of problems. Just to hear that, it's eerie. It's kind of scary."
Newswatch 16 witnessed investigators, including a state police forensic unit, entering a home in Brookside Village. They appeared to remove some items from the home. Police were seen searching the perimeter of the property and examining the inside of a vehicle.
Koffel says she's reconsidering her walking route. She can't believe this is all happening so close to her rural home.
"I'm kind of reluctant to go walking myself now because of this."
An autopsy is scheduled for Friday.
Investigators said there is no threat to community members.