By Marlyn Montilla
02 Mar 2024, 15:03 PM EST
A pregnant Amish woman was found dead in her living room Monday with lacerations to her head and neck, according to search warrants served at her Pennsylvania residence, The Associated Press reported.
Identified as Rebekah A. Byler, 23, she was six months pregnant when she was murdered.
A family friend called 911 to report the discovery of the woman’s body “a short distance inside” the home on Fish Flats Road in Sparta Township, Crawford County, around 12:36 p.m. , according to a court order and reported by Fox News.
This Saturday it was announced that the Pennsylvania State Police arrested Shawn Cranston, 52, for his connection to the death of the victim and he now faces numerous charges, including criminal homicide, homicide of an unborn child, robbery and burglary.
The suspect was processed and taken to the Crawford County Jail and held without bond, ABC News reported.
Two small children who were inside the home were not injured at the time of the victim’s death.
Byler’s autopsy and police investigations point to an idea of what the weapon used in his death may have been, but it has not yet been found, Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Cynthia Schick said. A warrant sought knives, blades, cutting instruments and other items.
The death of the pregnant woman caused a great shock in the rural community located in northwest Pennsylvania. Neighbors say the Amish, known for their simple clothing and restricted use of technology, get along well with their non-Amish neighbors.
“It’s not something that happens around here,” said Lindsey Smith, president of the women’s auxiliary of the nearby Spartansburg Volunteer Fire Department.
“We are concerned about our Amish,” Smith said. “They are a big part of our community. “They support us a lot.”
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