Shawn Cranston.Photo:Crawford County Correctional Facility
Crawford County Correctional Facility
Shawn Cranston, 52, was arrested on March 2, in connection with the Sparta Township, Penn., slaying, PEOPLE reported at the time, citing a criminal complaint. He waschargedwith several offenses, including criminal homicide.
Andy told authorities that about two weeks before the killing, he “confronted” a man with features resembling Cranston who was allegedly lingering around their residence late in the evening, per the affidavit. Cranston allegedly expressed interest in buying the house.
The man then pulled out of the driveway and headed in the direction of Rebekah and Andy’s residence, the affidavit alleges.
Pennsylvania State Police troopers searched a residence on Fish Flats Road in Sparta Township, Crawford County.TIM HAHN/ERIE TIMES-NEWS/USA TODAY NETWORK
TIM HAHN/ERIE TIMES-NEWS/USA TODAY NETWORK
According to the affidavit, Cranston worked one day for William Byler, who lived in the area and told police that following Cranston’s work with him, the man would allegedly “randomly show up at their residence.”
William said he had “an uneasy feeling” about him, the affidavit states. (It’s unclear if William or Rebecca has any relation to Rebekah and Andy.)
On one occasion, Cranston allegedly showed up at his residence and parked in the driveway, dressed in all black-clothing and carrying a pistol, per the affidavit.“He was walking around their property looking aimlessly into their fields and his speech made no sense,” the affidavit states. Cranston also allegedly expressed interest in attending church with them.
William’s separated wife Katie Byler and neighbors Clara Wengerd and Chester Wengerd expressed similar feelings about Cranston because of their interactions with him.
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Police have not yet disclosed a motive. It’s not immediately clear if Cranston has retained an attorney or entered a plea.
source: people.com
