Body Of Missing Man Found Homicide Suspected
Doctor Gary Ross, Forensic Pathologist performed an autopsy on a body found in a wooded area off of Petrarch Trail in Penn Forest Township, Carbon County, confirming identification as Samuel John Vacante.
Vacante, 52, was reported missing on Monday August 31st. He was last seen around 8:30 Pm that day.
Officers state that his vehicle, a white 2014 Kia Cadenza sedan was also missing.
On Wednesday September 2nd, the Kia was located abandoned on 8th Street between Laurel and Wyoming in Hazleton city.
On Wedesday evening, Butler Township Police, Hazleton City Police, and State Police were investigating a home at 33 10th Street in Hazleton city. The investigation caused the Hazleton Elementary Middle School, also known as the Castle, to be closed for the day.
Eleazar Yisrael was arrested due to the investigation on drug and weapon charges.
Despite being minor charges inclusing a small amount of marijuana and a novelty knife, Yisrael was given $100,000 bail and remains incarcerated in the Luzerne County Correctional Facility.
Vacante's body was found Sunday September 6th near Jim Thorpe in Carbon County.
The autopsy on Vacante has revealed that the cause of death was criminal homicide.
State police and Butler Township police are requesting that anyone who had possibly seen Vacante's vehicle in Berwick, Hazleton, Buter Township, or near the Townamessing Trails in Carbon County contact Lt. Robert Bartal at the state police barracks in West Hazleton at 570-459-3890.
Below is an image of the make and model vehicle.
Previous updates: http://www.hztn1.com/#!Possible-Murder-Investigation-Near-Hazleton-School/c2207/55e8bd570cf28ffc7ef07ae3 Interviews: http://www.hztn1.com/#!Updates-After-Police-Left-Scene-Of-Day-Long-Investigation/c2207/55e8f5ed0cf20cc5249fc823
