Slain Alburtis Woman's Estate Offers $50,000 For Information

The estate of Althea Walbert, the Alburtis woman who, with her daughter, Jeannette, was slain in her home March 11 has offered a $50,000 reward to anyone who has information leading to the arrest.

"The value of her life is measured by far more than her estate, but it is that estate that has come forward now to offer a reward to bring to justice the person or persons responsible for the death of Mrs. Walbert and her daughter, Jeannette," said District Attorney Jim Martin at a press conference held Thursday at the Bethlehem State Police Barracks.

Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Brian Tobin initially announced the reward, but he made clear that the offering in no way means that the case is stalled.

"Any information could be significant and could be the key to generate leads and significant steps toward solving the case," Tobin said.

He also stressed that the public is not in danger of any kind, that this was a one-time "crime of opportunity."

Alburtis Police Chief Robert Palmer, the first to respond to the scene that morning, also was part of the group that announced the reward.

Neighbors say Althea Walbert, beloved among the Alburtis community, was not shy about the fact that she possessed significant economic ability. She was also generous with those funds and with her caring nature.  She was "a character," they say, and a bit eccentric.

Indeed she was robbed several years ago when the trunk of her car was bashed in someone's effort to find money, police say.

But on the morning of March 11, she and her daughter were found in their home at 122 Cobblestone Court, dead, ruled victims of homicide. The manner of their deaths has not been disclosed.

"Although money should not be an incentive for people to do the right thing, we hope that the reward will encourage anyone with information about the case to call Pennsylvania State Police," Martin said.