Share this @internewscast.com

SPARTANSBURG, Pa. — A Pennsylvania man was arrested Saturday and charged with the slaying of a pregnant Amish woman whose body was found last week.

Shawn C. Cranston, 52, of Corry, has been charged with criminal homicide, criminal homicide of an unborn child, burglary and criminal trespass, Pennsylvania State Police said.

He was denied bail at a preliminary arraignment early Saturday morning and is being held at the Crawford County jail. Online court records show a preliminary hearing has been scheduled for March 15; they do not list a defense attorney.

Calls and emails to state police, the district attorney and public defender’s offices were not immediately returned Saturday morning.

Cranston’s arrest comes less than a week after authorities found the body of Rebekah A. Byler, 23, in the living room of her home a few miles from Spartansburg.

Police said she appeared to have cutting wounds to her neck and head.

The killing shocked the rural community in northwestern Pennsylvania, where people say the Amish get along well with their neighbors in the area.

Police began their investigation Feb. 26 after Byler’s husband, Andy Byler, found her body inside the home shortly after noon.

Trooper Cynthia Schick told The Associated Press on Thursday the investigation and autopsy have given police an idea of what murder weapon may have been used.

Two young Byler children at the home were not harmed, Schick has said.

The Bylers’ home is located along a dirt road in a very remote farming area. Scores of Amish turned out for calling hours Thursday evening at a home in the community. Many arrived by buggies lit by headlights along the narrow country roads.

Residents said the Amish had a longstanding presence in the area and mix well with the surrounding community. Amish and non-Amish visit each other’s homes, and the Amish work jobs for the non-Amish and attend events like the fish fries, they said. Neighbors have been raising money to help the Byler family.

The Amish generally follow basic Christian beliefs and practices but are not homogeneous, according to the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania. They are known for simple clothing and for relying on horses and buggies for transportation. Local congregations maintain a variety of rules and restrictions regarding dress, the use of technology and participation in American society.

The overall Amish population is nearly 400,000 people in hundreds of settlements across 32 states, Canada and Bolivia. Pennsylvania has one of the greatest concentrations of Amish.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Beyoncé to co-chair Met Gala after decade away from fashion’s biggest night

Beyoncé Returns as Co-Chair for the Met Gala After a Ten-Year Hiatus from Fashion’s Premier Event

Beyoncé is set to make a spectacular return to the Met Gala…
Erika Kirk Pushes Back on Conspiracies About Husband's Death: 'Stop'

Erika Kirk Silences Rumors: The Truth Behind Her Husband’s Tragic Passing

On Wednesday’s episode of “Outnumbered” on Fox News Channel, Erika Kirk, CEO…
Elon Musk claims it’s not safe for him to be in public in wake of Charlie Kirk killing

Elon Musk Raises Safety Concerns Following Charlie Kirk’s Incident

Billionaire MAGA activist Elon Musk claims that being in public puts him…
Sheriff Holding AI Whistleblower Charles Johnson, Indicted

Sheriff Detains AI Whistleblower Charles Johnson Following Indictment

A Texas sheriff whose jail is holding Clearview AI co-founder and whistleblower…
Former Robbins police chief Carl Scott faces calls to resign from Matteson School District 159 over battery video, guilty plea

Calls Mount for Resignation of Former Robbins Police Chief Carl Scott from Matteson School District 159 Following Battery Video and Guilty Plea

Parents in Matteson, Illinois, are urging the vice president of their local…
Virginia high school football coach goes missing during team's undefeated season

Absence of Virginia Coach Travis Turner Sparks Intense School Board Meeting Amid Sealed Case Records: Report

Virginia public school officials convened for a heated meeting, marking the first…
Second body found after deadly Stamford standoff was homicide victim

Shocking Discovery: Homicide Victim Found Amid Stamford Standoff Aftermath

A Stamford, Connecticut man, who engaged in an intense standoff with law…
Former music teacher allegedly groomed and had inappropriate relationship with teen student

Former Music Teacher Accused of Inappropriate Conduct with Teenage Student

A former educator from a Connecticut school is facing serious charges after…
'Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade' captivates with memorable performances

Experience the Magic: Unforgettable Highlights from Disney Parks’ Christmas Day Parade

Get ready for a festive treat this Christmas morning as ABC and…
Luigi Mangione apologizes for looking 'suspicious' in newly released body camera arrest footage

Luigi Mangione Breaks Silence: Apologizes for ‘Suspicious’ Appearance in Newly Released Body Camera Footage

Luigi Mangione appeared to offer an apology for appearing “suspicious” prior to…
Chicago City Council meets as budget deadline looms and Mayor Brandon Johnson changes head tax proposal

Chicago City Council Races Against Budget Deadline as Mayor Brandon Johnson Revamps Head Tax Plan

In Chicago, city leaders are gearing up for what could be the…
Human skull, other remains found in bushes by Brooklyn's Coney Island as investigators work to unravel mystery

Human Skull Discovery Near Coney Island Sparks Investigation into Mysterious Remains

A human skull, along with other skeletal remains, was unearthed amidst the…