Current:Home > NewsGuns, ammo and broken knife parts were found in the home where an Amish woman was slain, police said -CapitalSource
Guns, ammo and broken knife parts were found in the home where an Amish woman was slain, police said
View
Date:2025-04-14 18:08:56
Police investigating the killing of a pregnant Amish woman inside her Pennsylvania home last week recovered three firearms, bullets and two spent casings as well as broken knife parts, according to an inventory made public on Tuesday.
The state police document said the search of the house where Rebekah A. Byler was killed on Feb. 26 produced the broken orange handle of a knife, a broken knife blade and a bone-handled knife. Investigators also took a white bonnet and the contents of an ash tray, trash can and dust bin.
A man who lived about 8 miles (13 kilometers) from the Byler home in northwestern Pennsylvania was charged Saturday with criminal homicide, homicide of her unborn child, burglary and criminal trespassing. Police have not disclosed what they think may have motivated Shawn C. Cranston, 52, to kill her in the living room, where her husband and a family friend found her.
It’s unclear from the search inventory if any of the items taken belonged to Cranston or were used in the killing, which police have said involved “shooting her in the head and/or slashing her throat.” They include a .22-caliber rifle, two shotguns and a variety of ammunition. Investigators also recovered a .22-caliber cartridge case and a 6.5 Creedmoor casing, both discharged.
Cranston remains in the Crawford County Correctional Facility without bail. No defense attorney has appeared in court records, and the county public defender’s office said Monday it was not representing him. Family members have not answered phone calls seeking comment on his behalf.
Police said the 23-year-old Byler, whose two children were home but unhurt, suffered wounds to her neck and head.
Cranston’s cousin, Rebekah Cranston of Erie, said Tuesday that Cranston was a native of the Corry area and had worked as a truck driver. She said she had fallen out of touch with him in recent years and that many of his relatives knew nothing about the allegations.
“We’re just in shock and sending out prayers for the victim,” she said.
Shawn Cranston’s next-door neighbor, Chris Knight, said he was a “respectful” neighbor who often rode motorcycles. His wife is a nurse, she said.
Knight said that in recent months Cranston’s pickup truck was no longer parked at the home. The Cranstons seemed to be down to one vehicle, she said, a red Jeep.
“It seemed like he’s been home a lot but I don’t know what that situation is,” Knight said.
veryGood! (53)
Related
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- 5 injured in shooting outside a Detroit blues club over a parking spot dispute, police say
- Lawsuit accuses Special Olympics Maine founder of grooming, sexually abusing boy
- PCE inflation report: Key measure ticks higher for first time since September
- McKinsey to pay $650 million after advising opioid maker on how to 'turbocharge' sales
- Lizzo Seemingly Quits Hollywood Over “Lies” Told About Her
- ‘Ozempig’ remains Minnesota baseball team’s mascot despite uproar that name is form of fat-shaming
- Nebraska approves Malcolm X Day, honoring civil rights leader born in Omaha 99 years ago
- House passes bill to add 66 new federal judgeships, but prospects murky after Biden veto threat
- Midwest Maple Syrup Producers Adapt to Record Warm Winter, Uncertainty as Climate Changes
Ranking
- Behind on your annual reading goal? Books under 200 pages to read before 2024 ends
- Long-range shooting makes South Carolina all the more ominous as it heads to Elite Eight
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Mixed Nuts
- Long-range shooting makes South Carolina all the more ominous as it heads to Elite Eight
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- UNLV releases video of campus shooter killed by police after 3 professors shot dead
- Harvard applications drop 5% after year of turmoil on the Ivy League campus
- The Texas attorney general is investigating a key Boeing supplier and asking about diversity
Recommendation
Could your smelly farts help science?
Nate Oats channels Nick Saban's 'rat poison' talk as former Alabama football coach provides support
Save 70% on Tan-Luxe Self-Tanning Drops, Get a $158 Anthropologie Dress for $45, and More Weekend Deals
Family fears for U.S. hostage Ryan Corbett's health in Taliban prison after deeply disturbing phone call
McConnell absent from Senate on Thursday as he recovers from fall in Capitol
Tori Spelling Files for Divorce From Dean McDermott After Nearly 18 Years of Marriage
Christine Quinn Makes First Public Appearance Since Estranged Husband's Arrest
See Conjoined Twins Brittany and Abby Hensel's First Dance at Wedding to Josh Bowling