The predominantly Amish community in Spartansburg, Pennsylvania, is left stunned and scared after a 23-year-old pregnant Amish woman was found dead this week, a community member told ABC News.
“Everyone is stunned, this doesn’t happen here,” Charleen Hajec, a pharmacist who was born and raised in Spartansburg, said. “Everyone is talking, it’s scary and frustrating.”
On Monday afternoon, police responded to a home in Sparta Township, where they found Rebekah Byler dead, Pennsylvania State Police said.
Police are investigating the murder of a 23-year-old pregnant woman found dead at a home in Spartansburg, PA, Feb. 26, 2024.
ABC News/WJET
Byler’s death is considered a homicide and “police are aggressively investigating all available leads,” police said.
On Wednesday, Pennsylvania state police told ABC News there is no new information to release at this time.
Sparta Township is a small township in Crawford County, just outside of the borough of Spartansburg and about 35 miles southeast of Erie, Pennsylvania.
Police are investigating the murder of a 23-year-old pregnant woman found dead at a home in Spartansburg, PA, Feb. 26, 2024.
ABC News/WJET
When Hajec heard what happened to the young Amish woman she said she couldn’t believe a murder would happen in Sparta Township, which she called a “tight-knit community.”
“This is a tight-knit community, the outside world doesn’t get in,” Hajec said. “To have something this tragic… it doesn’t happen here.”
In the wake of Byler’s death, police have asked the public to report any suspicious people, cars or activity in the area of Fish Flats Road to the authorities at 814-663-2043.
A small Amish community in rural Pennsylvania is reeling from the shocking news of the alleged murder of a 23-year-old pregnant woman. The victim, whose name has not been released to the public, was found dead in a wooded area near her home on Monday morning. Authorities have arrested a suspect in connection with the crime, but details about the motive or circumstances surrounding the incident remain scarce.
Members of the tight-knit community are struggling to come to terms with the tragedy. The Amish are known for their strong sense of community and reliance on one another for support, making this loss even more devastating for those who knew the victim. One community member, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed their shock and disbelief at the news.
“I can’t believe something like this could happen in our peaceful little town,” the community member said. “We are all in shock and mourning the loss of such a young and promising life. Our hearts go out to her family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
The victim was reportedly expecting her first child at the time of her death, adding an extra layer of tragedy to the already heartbreaking situation. The unborn child’s fate remains unknown, but the community is rallying together to offer support and comfort to the victim’s family.
Local law enforcement officials are working diligently to investigate the case and bring justice to those responsible for this heinous crime. The suspect in custody has not been identified, but authorities have assured the public that they are doing everything in their power to ensure that the perpetrator is held accountable for their actions.
As news of the alleged murder spreads throughout the community, residents are left grappling with feelings of fear, sadness, and anger. Many are calling for increased safety measures and vigilance in order to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
In times of tragedy, it is important for communities to come together and support one another. The Amish community is known for its resilience and ability to overcome adversity through faith and unity. As they mourn the loss of one of their own, they will undoubtedly lean on each other for strength and comfort in the days and weeks ahead.
