Current:Home > StocksGuns, ammo and broken knife parts were found in the home where an Amish woman was slain, police said -Infinite Edge Capital
Guns, ammo and broken knife parts were found in the home where an Amish woman was slain, police said
View
Date:2025-04-16 18:37:32
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! (6722)
Related
- Who are the most valuable sports franchises? Forbes releases new list of top 50 teams
- California to bake under 'pretty intense' heat wave this week
- Florida man admits to shooting at Walmart delivery drone, damaging payload
- NHL teams cut ties with four players charged in 2018 sexual assault case
- 'Most Whopper
- No. 3 seed Aryna Sabalenka withdraws from Wimbledon with shoulder injury
- 'It was me': New York police release footage in fatal shooting of 13-year-old Nyah Mway
- From small clubs to BRIT Awards glory, RAYE shares her journey of resilience: When you believe in something, you have to go for it
- Nevada attorney general revives 2020 fake electors case
- You're going to need more than Medicare when you retire. These 3 numbers show why.
Ranking
- Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
- West Virginia governor pushing for another income tax cut as time in office winds down
- 2024 US Olympic track trials: What you need to know about Team USA roster
- Yes, pistachios are high in calories, but that doesn't mean they aren't good for you
- 'We're reborn!' Gazans express joy at returning home to north
- Atlanta City Council approves settlement of $2M for students pulled from car during 2020 protests
- Record-smashing Hurricane Beryl may be an 'ominous' sign of what's to come
- No. 3 seed Aryna Sabalenka withdraws from Wimbledon with shoulder injury
Recommendation
Why members of two of EPA's influential science advisory committees were let go
Child care in America is in crisis. Can we fix it? | The Excerpt
Under the Boardwalk officials vow to address homelessness in Atlantic City
NHL reinstates Stan Bowman, Al MacIsaac and Joel Quenneville after Blackhawks scandal
The 401(k) millionaires club keeps growing. We'll tell you how to join.
Animal rescuers save more than 100 dolphins during mass stranding event around Cape Cod
“Always go out on top”: Texas A&M Chancellor John Sharp will retire June 2025
A harmless asteroid will whiz past Earth Saturday. Here's how to spot it