Deaths of both Pa. pastor's wives ruled homicides

Authorities now say the deaths of both wives of a jailed Pennsylvania pastor were homicides.

Former Reeders United Methodist Church pastor Arthur Schirmer is awaiting trial in the July 2008 killing of his second wife, Betty Jean. Authorities told the Pocono Record (http://bit.ly/xIyIGy) on Monday that the 1999 death of Jewel Schirmer was also a homicide.

Officials began looking into Jewel's death after Arthur Schirmer was charged with killing Betty Jean.

Schirmer told authorities that Jewel died after falling down the stairs of their Lebanon County home. Investigators say he killed Betty Jean in a Monroe County parsonage garage and staged a crash to cover it up.

Jewel Schirmer's death hasn't resulted in charges.

Arthur Schirmer's attorney has said his client denies foul play was involved in either death.

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Information from: Pocono Record, http://www.poconorecord.com/

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