Elderly Pair Found Dead In Whitemarsh Identified

WHITEMARSH, PA — The two elderly individuals found dead outside a Whitemarsh home Tuesday have been identified, authorities announced.

They are Ross Woodward, 84, and Rhoda Woodward, 81, according to the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office.

The investigation into exactly what happened, and whether or not foul play was involved, continues. The cause and manner of death are not yet known as of Wednesday evening, as the Montgomery County Coroner's Office is still awaiting toxicology results.

The bodies were found in front of a home on the 500 block of Bethlehem Pike by a U.S. Postal Service worker at around 11:09 a.m.

Something about the situation — the bodies, where they were found — must have signalled the possibility of foul play to law enforcement.

According to Penn Live, it was a "bloody scene" which the mail carrier encountered. The woman was reportedly found partially undressed and face down at the side of the house, while the husband was found near some bushes.

>>SWAT Teams Respond After Mail Carrier Finds 2 Bodies At Whitemarsh Home: DA

The single family home sits beside Carson Valley Children's Aid, a nonprofit serving at-risk youth on a 100 acre property. Magerks Pub is just down the road, as is the overpass of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Across the street sits an electrical transmission site, which the couple reportedly had a long-running feud with. 6ABC reports the Woodwards thought the site was transmitting harmful electrical waves.

A spray painted sign reading "Happy Transmission" sits atop the home, apparently a reference to the disagreement.

There was an immediate and sweeping response after the bodies were found, including SWAT teams, police choppers, and numerous police vehicles. Bethlehem Pike was shut down to all traffic. Local school districts and daycares were locked down. Residents and motorists were told to avoid the area.

However, it appears that nothing suspicious was found and no suspects were arrested. Less than two hours later, at around 1 p.m., the area was apparently secured, and the all clear was given. Schools continued with their normal schedules and eventually, the roads were reopened.

Little else known about the Woodwards, other than that they are an elderly man and woman. Police declined to identify them pending notification of family. Autopsies have been scheduled by the Montgomery County Coroner's Office.

Investigators are treating the deaths as suspicious but they have not been labeled homicides at this point.

If you have any information on these deaths, please call Whitemarsh Police at 610-825-6530 or the Montgomery County Detective Bureau at 610-278-3368.

Image via Google