Death of hunter termed homicide

LONG POND, Pa. - A hunter was shot and killed near state game lands in the Poconos, and authorities said yesterday they were investigating the case a homicide.

Another hunter found the body of Lee Van Luvender, 22, of Saylorsburg, Pa., Tuesday morning in a parking area near Long Pond. Van Luvender, who was wearing hunting clothes and carrying a hunting license, suffered multiple gunshot wounds.

"There's no question he was murdered, but it's still very early in the investigation," Monroe County District Attorney Dave Christine told the Pocono Record.

The coroner performed an autopsy yesterday while police returned to the spot where the body was found.

Pocono Mountain Regional Police declined to comment on the case but planned to issue a statement later.