Arthur Schirmer: Unraveling The Sinister Minister's Crimes
Could a man of God, a shepherd of his flock, be capable of such darkness? The story of Arthur Burton Schirmer, or "A.B." as he was known, reveals a chilling tale of deception, betrayal, and murder, shattering the illusion of a pious life and exposing the sinister underbelly of a seemingly ordinary community.
Arthur Burton Schirmer, a man who held the title of Reverend, a pastor within the United Methodist Church, led a life that, on the surface, appeared to be one of unwavering faith and service. He was a man who, by all accounts, possessed the gift of gab, a compelling speaker able to captivate audiences with his words. He moved among his congregation at the Reeder's Church in Jackson Township, Pennsylvania, and was considered a pillar of the community. His life revolved around the church, his second wife, Betty, and the residence they shared, nestled conveniently next door to the house of worship. However, the veneer of sanctity concealed a much more disturbing reality.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Arthur Burton Schirmer |
| Nickname | A.B. |
| Date of Birth | February 24, 1933 |
| Date of Death | July 17, 2008 |
| Place of Death | Unknown (Died while incarcerated) |
| Burial | Magnolia Cemetery |
| Marital Status | Married twice: Jewel (deceased), Betty Jean (deceased) |
| Occupation | United Methodist Pastor |
| Churches Served | Reeder's Church (Jackson Township, PA), Bethany United Methodist Church (Lebanon, PA) |
| Known For | Convicted of murdering both wives, Jewel and Betty Schirmer |
| Criminal Charges | Murder, Staging car accident |
| Sentence | Life imprisonment |
Reference: Lehighvalleylive.com - Former Pastor Arthur Schirmer sentenced
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The first cracks in the facade began to appear with the death of his first wife, Jewel, back on April 23, 1999. Schirmer claimed to have returned home from a morning run, only to find his wife lying at the bottom of their basement steps in their home at 915 Skyline Drive, North Lebanon Township, bleeding from the head. Initially, the authorities ruled her death as an accident, a tragic fall. Fifteen years later, as the past was re-examined, that judgement was called into question.
Then came the death of his second wife, Betty Jean. The events of July 15, 2008, in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, initially appeared to be a tragic car accident. But the story quickly began to unravel. The premier episode of a true-crime series, focused on Schirmer, highlighted the inconsistencies in the events, the insurance payout, the questionable details. State police, however, began a more thorough investigation months later, digging deeper than before. The investigation led to the arrest of Arthur Schirmer for the murder of his second wife, Betty. He was alleged to have bludgeoned her with a crowbar and then staged a car accident to cover up the crime.
The case was further complicated by a no contest plea to third-degree murder charges in June for the death of Jewel Schirmer. Schirmer was sentenced by Lebanon County Judge John Tylwalk. The trial in Monroe County court, for the death of Betty Jean, commenced, revealing even more unsettling details. The prosecution argued that Schirmer meticulously planned and executed the murders. Prosecutors contended he had methodically removed both of his wives, the first, Jewel, fifteen years prior, and then Betty, and his crimes would be revealed for all to see.
During the trial, Schirmer's defense attorney, along with testimony provided by witnesses, attempted to paint a picture of a man of faith, a loving husband, a pillar of the community. Cynthia Moyer, Schirmer's fiancee, came to his defense, stating, I believe 100 percent in his innocence.
However, the prosecution presented a different narrative. They described a man driven by financial gain and a desire to control his own destiny, a man capable of the utmost deception. Schirmer himself has long maintained his innocence, claiming that Bettys death was a tragic accident, and that Jewel's death was a simple fall, a tragic incident. He maintains that she was cut while helping him move a wood pile weeks before the crash.
The evidence, however, presented a different reality. The seemingly accidental deaths of his wives raised serious questions. After Schirmer's guilty verdict, Betty Schirmer's youngest brother, Bill Shertzer, said his family was relieved. The court heard all the evidence, saw through the web of lies, and exposed a man capable of the unthinkable.
The case gained significant attention, particularly because of Schirmer's position as a pastor. Monroe County District Attorney Michael Mancuso admitted that the "sensational" case, or "the sinister minister," has had a lasting impact on the small community. The case highlighted the vulnerabilities of those who place their trust in positions of authority, only to be betrayed in the most horrific manner.
The trials revelations caused consternation and shock among those who knew Schirmer and had once considered him a spiritual guide. The testimony of the defense, the evidence presented by the prosecution, and the ultimate guilty verdict brought into sharp focus the devastating consequences of greed, deception, and the abuse of power.
The conviction brought an automatic life sentence. Schirmer, 69, sought to overturn his 2013 murder conviction in the 2008 death of his second wife, Betty. His attempts to overturn the conviction were unsuccessful. Today marks the fifth day of testimony of a long and arduous trial.
The tragic deaths, the court cases, the lingering questions, and the emotional turmoil of those involved serve as a stark reminder that even in the most sacred of settings, darkness can take root. The story of Arthur Burton Schirmer, "the sinister minister," is a cautionary tale that will continue to resonate, reminding us to always be vigilant, to question, and to never take appearances at face value.
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