Background: The neighborhood in Clarion, Pa. where Rachel Roman was found dead (Google Maps). Inset (left): Suspect Chase Steigerwald (Facebook). Inset (right): Rachel Roman (Legacy.com).
In a disturbing case out of Pennsylvania, a man has been charged with criminal homicide amid allegations of a brutal crime that was initially presented as a tragic suicide. Chase Steigerwald, 34, now finds himself in custody at the Clarion County Jail, accused of the fatal stabbing of 45-year-old Rachel Roman. The incident unfolded early on November 5, within the confines of Steigerwald’s apartment, where Roman’s lifeless body was discovered.
When authorities arrived at the scene, they encountered Steigerwald and an unnamed woman lingering outside the residence. In his account to the police, Steigerwald claimed he and the woman had gone for a walk, only to return to find Roman dead inside. However, the narrative took a turn as the unnamed woman’s version of events emerged.
The woman recounted to police a harrowing sequence of events. According to her statement, while she was in another room, she was alarmed by unsettling noises reminiscent of choking or gurgling from the living room. On investigating, she found Steigerwald hurriedly packing a backpack, with Roman bleeding on the floor. He allegedly insisted they needed to leave immediately, forcing the woman to step over a futon to avoid Roman’s blood.
Further investigations revealed surveillance footage that captured Steigerwald and the woman departing the apartment at 5:05 a.m. and returning at 6:38 a.m. During their time outside, Steigerwald allegedly confided in the woman his intention to stage Roman’s death as a suicide.
Upon their return, the woman witnessed alarming actions. She informed police that Steigerwald placed a knife in Roman’s hand, presumably to transfer her fingerprints, an apparent attempt to bolster the suicide narrative. Additionally, she noted seeing him stash a bottle of methamphetamine in the couch, near where Roman had previously been sitting.
This case, as it unfolds, underscores the complexities and challenges law enforcement faces in distinguishing between homicide and suicide, with the ultimate goal of seeking justice for the victim, Rachel Roman.
A witness who was at a party at Steigerwald’s apartment the night before said they saw Roman, alive and sitting on the couch, at around 11 p.m. Around the same time, another witness who was on a FaceTime call with Steigerwald said that she saw him brandishing the same kind of fixed-blade knife that was found near Roman’s body. The same witness said she heard Steigerwald arguing with Roman during the call.
Police said that Roman sent a text to a co-worker at 11:39 p.m. That co-worker’s reply, sent at 12:20 a.m., was not delivered, according to the criminal complaint, indicating that Roman’s phone appeared to have been powered off.
When police spoke to a neighbor, they said there was a loud party going on at Steigerwald’s home until about midnight, when the noise suddenly stopped and it became “very quiet.”
When police questioned Steigerwald, he explained that the knife they found was his, and he used it for hunting. He allegedly admitted to smoking molly before calling 911 on the morning of Nov. 5.
Investigators said they found blood in several locations inside the home, including the kitchen sink, the bathroom sink, and on a bottle of Dawn dishwashing soap. They also reportedly found the methamphetamine.
An autopsy conducted on Roman’s body stated that she sustained stab wounds to her face, chest, arm, and hand. Her cause of death was a fatal stab wound to the neck.
Steigerwald was arrested on a drug charge a few days after Roman’s body was found. After he was charged with criminal homicide on Tuesday, the drug charge was dropped. He remains in custody without bond at Clarion County Jail. His next court date is scheduled for Dec. 2.
