Two homicides in just two days
Police in Schuylkill County are investigating two homicides that have occurred within two days of each other in the county.
A man was found dead in his home on Monday while a woman was found deceased in her home on Tuesday.The death of David R. Halaburda, 50, of 256 S. Wylam St., Altamont, West Mahanoy Township, was ruled a homicide by the county coroner following an autopsy performed Tuesday in the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township.He died of blunt force head and neck injuries.The body of Wendy Contreras, 38, of 513 W. Center St., Shenandoah, was found on Tuesday afternoon. Her death was ruled a homicide and a suspect has been named in the death.Woman's deathShenandoah police responded to Contreras' home at 4:08 p.m. to assist an emergency medical unit from the borough. Borough police then called state police for assistance, and troopers from the Frackville barracks responded and took over the investigation.Troopers late Tuesday named Lois Ramon Nunez-Calderon, 41, as a suspect. Troopers have obtained warrants for his arrest charging him with criminal homicide and related counts.Troopers said Calderon lived at the residence and also has a Bronx, N.Y., address. His location is currently unknown.Troopers did not release any more details.Man's deathHalaburda's body was found after township police responded to a disturbance call involving the victim's roommate, Thomas Petrousky, 53, and a neighbor, James Dellock, who resides across the street. Police were called about 8 a.m. Monday.After arresting Petrousky, police took possession of his dog. Officers then found the body of Halaburda in the home when they were attempting to return the dog to the home.According to reports, when township police took Petrousky into custody, he appeared to be under the influence of a controlled substance and there was blood on his clothing.Arrest reports indicate police were called to the Halaburda home about 2 a.m. on Sunday for a disturbance involving Halaburda and Petrousky.On Sunday afternoon state police from the Frackville barracks responded to the residence for another disturbance involving the two men. In that incident troopers charged Petrousky with harassment for hitting Halaburda on the head.In the incident with Dellock, Petrousky has been charged with simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, criminal mischief and harassment.No charges have been filed in connection with the homicide of Halaburda.State police are assisting township police with that investigation.