Pocono News Section

Man Charged in Sunbury Double Murder

Man Charged in Sunbury Double Murder - Wednesday, June 4, 2008 at 5:40PM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Wednesday, Jun 4, 2008 @ 05:40pm EST
Sunbury, Northumberland County-

Police charged a Sunbury man today for a double murder dating back to January of this year. Now, many in that community are breathing a sigh of relief.

Janet Osman lives on 4th Street in Sunbury, right next door to the apartment where two people were killed in the early morning hours of January 18th. Fifteen shots were fired from a .30 caliber weapon. Osman was asleep in her home that night and counts her blessings that no one else was injured.

She explained, "It could've been worse that what it was because the bullets could've come through the walls, these walls are very thin...It's an experience you don't want to have too often."

Now, police have charged 39-year-old Michael Harrell, of Sunbury, with the murders of Crystal Gordon and David Moore. He was arrested by police the day of the murders and has been locked up on a parole violation ever since.

Keira Bainbridge and her boss were working at a restaurant across the street from where Harrell's arraignment was held. Bainbridge, translating for her boss, said, "She said she had seen the police escorting a taller male into the courthouse, they had his face covered."

According to arrest papers, police say Michael Harrell admitted killing both Crystal Gordon and David Moore during their initial questioning. Further research shows Harrell also has a prior criminal record.

A forensic investigation has been ongoing since the day of the murders, including fingerprints and ballistics information, leading to formal homicide charges being filed.

And although Harrell has not yet had his day in court, people in Sunbury are now resting somewhat easier. Bainbridge noted, "With me being a mother of very young children, to know that they have some criminal like that off the streets, makes me feel a little bit safer coming to work."

Janet Osman added, "You have to keep on going, you just can't live in the past."

Harrell remains locked up. There is no bail for a murder charge. He faces a preliminary hearing on June 12th.