Current:Home > MyGuns, ammo and broken knife parts were found in the home where an Amish woman was slain, police said -GrowthSphere Strategies
Guns, ammo and broken knife parts were found in the home where an Amish woman was slain, police said
View
Date:2025-04-16 12:48:33
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! (85)
Related
- Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
- Maren Morris and Ryan Hurd decide custody, child support in divorce settlement
- Intensified Russian airstrikes are stretching Ukraine’s air defense resources, officials say
- National Association of Realtors president Tracy Kasper resigns after blackmail threats
- Man can't find second winning lottery ticket, sues over $394 million jackpot, lawsuit says
- Former President Clinton, House members mourn former Texas Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson at funeral
- Michael Penix Jr. overcame injury history, but not Michigan's defense, in CFP title game
- 2024 Golden Globes reaches viewership of 9.4 million — highest ratings in years
- Arkansas State Police probe death of woman found after officer
- Rays shortstop Wander Franco faces lesser charge as judge analyzes evidence in ongoing probe
Ranking
- 2025 'Doomsday Clock': This is how close we are to self
- More delays for NASA’s astronaut moonshots, with crew landing off until 2026
- Will the Peregrine lunar lander touch down on the moon? Company says it's unlikely
- Iowa school shooter's parents say they had 'no inkling of horrible violence'
- The Louvre will be renovated and the 'Mona Lisa' will have her own room
- Michigan vs Washington highlights: How Wolverines beat Huskies for national championship
- Oprah Winfrey denies Taraji P. Henson feud after actress made pay disparity comments
- Nikki Reed Shares Rare Glimpse of Her and Ian Somerhalder’s 2 Kids
Recommendation
In ‘Nickel Boys,’ striving for a new way to see
'AGT: Fantasy League': Howie Mandel steals 'unbelievable' Ramadhani Brothers from Heidi Klum
After soft launch challenges, FAFSA 2024-25 form is now available 24/7, Dept of Ed says
The 'Epstein list' and why we need to talk about consent with our kids
Appeals court scraps Nasdaq boardroom diversity rules in latest DEI setback
Sinéad O'Connor died of natural causes, coroner says
Rays shortstop Wander Franco faces lesser charge as judge analyzes evidence in ongoing probe
Mean Girls’ Daniel Franzese Reveals Where He Thinks Damien Is Today