TURBOT TOWNSHIP - State police at Milton are investigating the death of a Turbot Township woman who was shot in her home early Saturday morning during a burglary.
Police released few details Saturday involving the 1 a.m. incident that claimed the life of Patricia Ann Thomas, 64, of 1060 Phillips Road, and injured her 65-year-old husband, Robert Charles Thomas Sr.
According to a press release, an unknown actor or actors entered the Thomas residence, which reportedly awoke Robert Thomas, who retrieved a handgun.
"Robert was then struck in the head with a blunt instrument," police reported. He suffered a minor injury and underwent emergency room treatment at Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg before being released.
Thomas' wife was struck by a single gunshot and pronounced dead at the scene by Northumberland County Deputy Coroner Barry Leisenring.
Police provided no further information Saturday as to how Patricia Thomas was shot. Contacted Saturday night, Northumberland County Coroner James Kelley said police are still trying to determine who shot Mrs. Thomas and how she was killed.
State police at Milton were assisted at the scene by Northumberland County District Attorney Tony Rosini and the coroner's office.
An autopsy has been scheduled for Monday at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown.