Slain Alburtis Woman Leaves Estate to Church

Althea Walbert, 82, who was found dead in her home March 11, has left her estate – possibly worth more than a $1 million – to her Church, Longswamp UCC in Berks County, according to The Morning Call.

The story reports that in her will, Walbert provided for the care of her daughter, Jeanette, 59, who had Down Syndrome. But Jeanette was also killed in the family home that day.

In the case of Jeanette’s death, the will stipulates, ‘the entire remaining principal and income of the trust to the Longswamp United Church of Christ of Mertztown, Pa., to be added to their building fund.’

According to the story, members of the church learned of Walbert’s bequest April 11, but the exact amount is unknown. Walbert owned three properties totaling more than 30 acres, the report states.

Friends of Walbert, said she was always known for her generosity with cash, and they speculated the deaths were the result of robbery.

No one has been arrested for the homicides, but the investigation continues. Last month, Alburtis Police Chief Robert Palmer called the killings a “crime of opportunity.”

The Walberts were laid to rest in Longswamp Union Cemetery March 17.