Share this @internewscast.com

MEADVILLE, Pa. — A truck driver accused of killing a pregnant Amish woman in her rural home in February was expected to be in court on Friday as a Pennsylvania judge considers whether investigators have sufficient evidence to advance the charges toward trial.

Shawn C. Cranston, 52, is accused of killing Rebekah Byler and her unborn child inside the Byler home near Spartansburg on Feb. 26.

District Judge Amy Nicols is scheduled to preside over the preliminary hearing in the Crawford County Courthouse to decide if there is enough evidence to support those charges, as well as accusations of burglary and trespassing.

Byler, 23, had suffered head and neck wounds when her husband and a family friend found her in the living room. The couple’s two young children were home but unharmed, police said.

Byler’s defense attorney, public defender Gary Alan Kern, did not respond to requests for comment this week. Crawford County District Attorney Paula C. DiGiacomo declined to comment.

In court documents filed for a search of the murder scene, state police said they recovered guns, ammunition, knife parts and other items. Authorities have not indicated a possible motive.

Cranston lives in Corry, about 8 miles (13 kilometers) from Spartansburg. He has been in the county jail without bond since being arrested March 2.

Byler appeared to have cutting wounds to her neck and head, police said, and the criminal complaint accused Cranston of “shooting her in the head and/or slashing her throat.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Norwegian royal charged with rape; police say victim count in double digits

Norwegian Royal Accused of Rape; Police Report Multiple Victims

The eldest son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit and stepson of the…
Russia Ukraine | Russian drone strike on Odesa kills married couple, injures 17 people, Ukraine says

Russian Drone Strike on Odesa Results in Fatalities and Injuries, Reports Ukraine

KYIV, Ukraine — Overnight, Russian drones targeted the southern Ukrainian port city…
Terror in Gaza: Hamas offers bounties to kill US and local aid workers, group says

Chaos in Gaza: Hamas Allegedly Offers Rewards to Target US and Local Relief Workers, According to Report

In response to Huckabee’s statement, GHF Executive Chairman Rev. Johnnie Moore posted…
Judge's gavel and euro banknotes representing judicial corruption.

Lawsuit Filed Against Controversial July 1 Law Cutting Benefits for US Residents: A Last-Ditch Effort to Halt the Changes

A CONTROVERSIAL new law that will take away benefits from certain US…
Keir Starmer speaking to the media.

Prime Minister Rejects Demand to Dismiss Influential No10 Advisor Morgan McSweeney Amid Welfare Controversy

THE PM’S powerful chief of staff Morgan McSweeney is “not going anywhere”…
Man in suit outside the Internet Watch Foundation.

Ministers alert: Online child sexual abuse poised to become the next major grooming crisis

ONLINE child sexual abuse could be “the next grooming crisis”, experts warn…
Funeral held for Adriana Smith, who gave birth while on life support

Adriana Smith, Who Gave Birth on Life Support, Honored at Funeral

Lawmakers, nurses and family paid tribute to Adriana Smith during her funeral…
Woman found dead in clothing donation box: Florida cops

Florida Authorities Investigate Woman Discovered Deceased in Donation Box

A homeless woman was discovered deceased in a clothing donation box in…
Israeli strikes in Gaza kill at least 49 people as ceasefire talks inch closer

Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza Claim at Least 49 Lives Amid Ceasefire Negotiations

The strikes come as U.S. President Donald Trump says there could be…
Iran holds funeral for top commanders, nuclear scientists killed in Israeli operation

Iran Stages Funeral for Key Military and Nuclear Figures Killed in Israeli Action

Iran held a funeral for top military commanders and nuclear scientists killed…
Environmental groups try blocking Trump's 'Alligator Alcatraz' with last-minute lawsuit

Eco Activists File Eleventh-Hour Lawsuit to Halt Trump’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’

Several environmental organizations lodged a federal lawsuit on Friday, claiming that authorities…
Rescue workers retrieving a body from a river.

Crocodile Attacks and Kills 32-Year-Old Fisherman in Front of Family

A FISHERMAN who was brutally attacked and pulled into a river by…