Pennsylvania authorities say a six-months-pregnant Amish woman who was found dead in her home last week suffered several injuries including one that resembled ‘scalping.’
The Murder Incident
Rebekah A. Byler was found dead inside her home on Feb. 26 in Pennsylvania’s Sparta Township, in the northwestern part of the state, in an area with a large Amish population.Â
Byler, 23, was six months pregnant with her third child.
Shawn Cranston, 52, from Corry, Pa., was arrested on Saturday by Crawford County police in connection with Byler’s death, according to a criminal complaint from the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.
It’s not immediately clear if Cranston has retained an attorney or entered a plea.
At The Crime Scene
Byler was found ‘in a pool of blood’ in the living room by her husband and another person, according to a probable cause affidavit obtained.
They found her with her throat cut with ‘evident laceration’ on the front of her neck, the affidavit states. She also had a ‘scalping type wound,’ indicating she likely had part of her scalp removed with hair attached to it, according to the affidavit.Â
As it is
Authorities have requested permission to search the property for ‘crucial evidence’ that might provide ‘vital’ clues to the investigation, the affidavit states.Â
Charleen Hajec, a neighbor in nearby Spartansburg, previously told ABC 6 that the killing of Byler was ‘very shocking’ to the local community.
‘We’re just a very tight-knit community and I’m just absolutely heartbroken that this has happened,’ she said.
Police have not discussed a motive behind the crime or commented on whether Cranston had any relationship with the Byler family.
