Current:Home > ScamsGuns, ammo and broken knife parts were found in the home where an Amish woman was slain, police said -VisionFunds
Guns, ammo and broken knife parts were found in the home where an Amish woman was slain, police said
View
Date:2025-04-12 16:45:15
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! (275)
Related
- Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
- The Simpsons writer comments on Kamala Harris predictions: I'm proud
- Beyoncé's mom, Tina Knowles, endorses VP Kamala Harris for president
- To Help Stop Malaria’s Spread, CDC Researchers Create a Test to Find a Mosquito That Is Flourishing Thanks to Climate Change
- Romantasy reigns on spicy BookTok: Recommendations from the internet’s favorite genre
- 2024 Olympics: A Guide to All the Couples Competing at the Paris Games
- New Federal Grants Could Slash U.S. Climate Emissions by Nearly 1 Billion Metric Tons Through 2050
- Coca-Cola raises full-year sales guidance after stronger-than-expected second quarter
- The Daily Money: Spending more on holiday travel?
- Missouri judge overturns the murder conviction of a man imprisoned for more than 30 years
Ranking
- Can Bill Belichick turn North Carolina into a winner? At 72, he's chasing one last high
- Attorneys for state of Utah ask parole board to keep death sentence for man convicted in 1998 murder
- US opens investigation into Delta after global tech meltdown leads to massive cancellations
- Horoscopes Today, July 21, 2024
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
- Rachel Lindsay’s Ex Bryan Abasolo Details Their “Tough” Fertility Journey
- Eminem brings Taylor Swift’s historic reign at No. 1 to an end, Stevie Wonder’s record stays intact
- Blake Lively Jokes She Wasn't Invited to Madonna's House With Ryan Reynolds
Recommendation
Sarah J. Maas books explained: How to read 'ACOTAR,' 'Throne of Glass' in order.
Radical British preacher Anjem Choudary convicted of directing a terrorist group
As hurricane season begins, here’s how small businesses can prepare in advance of a storm
Dan Aykroyd revisits the Blues Brothers’ remarkable legacy in new Audible Original
Moving abroad can be expensive: These 5 countries will 'pay' you to move there
See Claim to Fame Contestant Dedrick’s “Strange” Reaction to Celebrity Relative Guesses
Harris steps into the limelight. And the coconut trees and memes have followed
Hiker dies at Utah state park after high temperatures, running out of water