A truck driver was convicted of fatally shooting a pregnant Amish woman inside her rural northwestern Pennsylvania home while her children were in the next room.
Shawn Christopher Cranston, 52, was found guilty of first-degree murder for killing Rebekah Byler, 23, as well as second-degree murder for killing her unborn child, according to the Associated Press.
“It is hard to fathom conduct more heinous than brutally killing a young expectant mother and her unborn child in her home,” Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday told the outlet. “Our homes are supposed to be our safe haven — this defendant violated the sanctity of home to commit these truly evil acts.”
According to the Associated Press, Rebekah was at home on the morning of February 26, 2024, while her husband was driven to work. When her husband, Andy Byler, returned home from work, he discovered her dead.
“I didn’t really believe it,” Andy stated during Cranston’s preliminary hearing, according to the outlet. “I walked in and saw her cap laying inside the door.”
Rebekah and Andy’s two other children, a 2-year-old girl and a 3-year-old boy, were at home when she was killed, but they were unharmed, according to court records. The boy later told police that a man in a green truck entered their home wearing sneakers and murdered his mother.
Investigators later discovered a shoe print inside their home that resembled a Nike Air Force One sneaker, as well as the shoes, according to the outlet, citing police. Police also discovered some of Cranston’s clothing, five bank bags, a box of gloves, and seven guns with ammunition.
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According to court documents, Cranston worked as a driver for an Amish man who lived a mile away from Rebekah’s home. According to court records, the family had “very odd experiences” with Cranston, claiming that after he provided the first ride, he would randomly show up at their home.
Because they do not drive, Amish people rely on drivers from outside the community. According to their community rules, they do not traditionally wear sneakers.
Cranston allegedly drove a Jeep to the Bylers’ house, parked it in their driveway, and wandered around the property while dressed entirely in black, according to PennLive. He allegedly carried a black pistol in a holster on his belt and walked aimlessly, making no sense when interacting with neighbors.
According to the outlet, neighbors have informed police that he is a sergeant at arms for the War Dogs motorcycle club.
Local outlets reported that police are still unsure of Cranston’s motive for killing Rebekah. They continue to look for evidence in his Jeep.
Cranston is scheduled to be sentenced in July.
