Police have announced an arrest in connection to the death of 23-year-old pregnant Rebekah Byler that has shaken an Amish community in Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania State Police announced early Saturday morning that Shawn Cranston — a 52-year-old man from Corry, Pennsylvania — has been arrested in connection with the murder of the Amish woman and is now facing multiple charges, including criminal homicide, criminal homicide of an unborn child, burglary and criminal trespass.
Cranston was arraigned Saturday morning and is currently being held without bond at the Crawford County Jail.
On Feb. 26, police responded to a home in Sparta Township, where they found Byler dead, according to Pennsylvania State Police. Byler’s cause of death has not been released.
This is the home a few miles outside of Spartansburg, Pa., on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, where investigators discovered the body of a pregnant 23-year-old Amish woman on Monday. Pennsylvania State Police are appealing for tips from the public to help solve the crime, a state police spokeswoman said Wednesday.
Gene J. Puskar/AP
Sparta Township is a small township in Crawford County, just outside of the borough of Spartansburg and about 35 miles southeast of Erie, Pennsylvania.
“Everyone is stunned — this doesn’t happen here,” Charleen Hajec, a pharmacist who was born and raised in Spartansburg, told ABC News. “Everyone is talking. It’s scary and frustrating.”
Hajec said she couldn’t believe a murder would happen in Sparta Township, which she called a “tight-knit community.”
“The outside world doesn’t get in,” Hajec said. “To have something this tragic … it doesn’t happen here.”
ABC News’ Emily Shapiro and Stephanie Ramos contributed to this report.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
A suspect has been arrested in connection with the murder of a pregnant Amish woman who was discovered deceased in her Pennsylvania residence. The tragic incident has shocked the tight-knit community and raised questions about the safety and security of its members.
The victim, whose name has not been released to the public, was found dead in her home in Lancaster County on Monday morning. She was reportedly pregnant at the time of her death, adding an extra layer of tragedy to the already heartbreaking situation.
Authorities have been tight-lipped about the details of the case, but they have confirmed that a suspect is in custody and is facing charges related to the murder. The suspect’s identity has not been revealed, but investigators have indicated that they believe the motive for the crime may have been robbery.
The Amish community in Lancaster County is known for its strong sense of community and adherence to traditional values. The murder of one of their own has shaken residents to their core and left many wondering how such a heinous crime could have occurred in their midst.
In response to the tragedy, local law enforcement officials have increased patrols in the area and are working closely with the Amish community to ensure their safety. The community has also come together to support the victim’s family and offer prayers and condolences during this difficult time.
As the investigation into the murder continues, residents of Lancaster County are left grappling with feelings of shock, sadness, and fear. The arrest of a suspect is a small comfort, but it does little to ease the pain of losing a beloved member of their community in such a senseless and violent manner.
The murder of the pregnant Amish woman serves as a stark reminder that no community is immune to violence and tragedy. It is a sobering wake-up call for residents of Lancaster County and beyond to remain vigilant and look out for one another in order to prevent such senseless acts from happening again.
