State police in Pennsylvania have made progress in the investigation of the killing of a pregnant Amish woman in rural Pennsylvania. The suspect, truck driver Shawn Christopher Cranston, was found to have six guns, ammunition, and a pair of sneakers that may match tread marks found at the crime scene. The victim, 23-year-old Rebekah Byler, suffered multiple sharp force wounds to her neck as well as a gunshot wound to the head during the attack on Feb. 26. Two counts of homicide and other charges were forwarded to county court for trial after a preliminary hearing on March 15.
During the killing, Rebekah Byler’s 2-year-old daughter and 3-year-old son were present and the boy told investigators that a man wearing sneakers had killed his mother. Rebekah’s husband, Andy Byler, and another individual returned home to discover her body in the living room, while the children were unharmed. In a newly released search warrant affidavit, it was revealed that red and black Nike sneakers were found under a mattress inside a camper at Cranston’s residence, matching the shoe pattern photographed inside Byler’s home.
DNA and fingerprints were taken from Cranston, who has been jailed without bail since his arrest on March 2. His public defender has not commented on the case. Police also noted that tire treads from Cranston’s Jeep matched impressions found at the crime scene, and surveillance footage showed someone matching his description carrying items to the camper and starting a fire after the killing. Along with homicide charges, Cranston also faces burglary and trespassing charges. Police identified him as a suspect within a day of the killing and seized his trash, finding a glove similar to one found at the homicide scene.
Neighbors in the area described Cranston as a member of a motorcycle club and noted that he usually carried a small black pistol. Andy Byler recalled an encounter with a man matching Cranston’s description at his home two weeks before the killing, where the man inquired about buying the house. Other residents in the area reported strange interactions with a man named Shawn, who matched Cranston’s description. This Shawn individual, who carried a small black pistol and appeared to be in his 50s with gray hair, seemed to exhibit strange behavior and inquired about attending church with them.
The investigation into the killing of Rebekah Byler continues to uncover more details surrounding the case. Police have gathered evidence linking Cranston to the crime scene, including shoe patterns, tire treads, and surveillance footage placing him at the scene after the killing. The motive for the attack has not been identified, but the evidence collected thus far points to Cranston’s involvement. The community has been shocked by the tragedy and remains vigilant as the case moves forward in the legal system. As more information is revealed, the prosecution will likely build a strong case against Cranston for the brutal killing of Rebekah Byler and the unborn child she was carrying.
