SPARTA TWP., Pa. (EYT) – The Pennsylvania State Police have released more information about the case of 23-year-old murder victim, Rebekah Byler.
Warrant returns for the search of the Byler residence show the state police removed 32 items from the crime scene, including cotton swabs that may contain DNA.
In addition to the possible DNA samples, police removed multiple firearms, ammunition, and projectiles, in addition to other items that may contain DNA such as partially smoked cigarettes, ashtray contents, and an empty Mountain Dew bottle.
Specifically, the items removed were:
- 37 Cotton Tipped Applicators
- 1 White Bonnet
- 1 Orange Knife Handle (Broken)
- 1 Fiberglass Insulation
- 8 Mylar Dust Lift Impressions
- 1 Henry Repeating Arms Model H005 Rifle (.22 Caliber)
- 1 Break Action Shotgun
- 1 Forehand Arms C. Worcester Mass. Shotgun
- 35 Partially Smoked Cigarettes/Cigarette Filters
- 1 Blue and Clear Gummy
- 1 Clear Life Savers Gummy
- 1 Unknown Black Hair
- 1 Discharged “F” .22 Caliber Cartridge Case
- 1 Knife Blade (Broken)
- 1 Empty Mountain Dew Bottle
- 1 Paper Towel(s) and White Plastic
- 2 Trash Can Contents (Living Room and Kitchen)
- 2 Ashtray Contents (Pedestal, Magazine Stand)
- 3 Ashtrays
- 1 Tan Hand Towel
- 1 Outerbanks Seashell Picture Frame
- 1 Box of Remington .22LR Ammunition (Bulk)
- 7 Undischarged .270 WIN Ammunition
- 1 Undischarged FC .308 WIN Ammunition
- 4 Muzzleloader Projectiles
- 17 Undischarged 6.5 Creedmoor Ammunition
- 1 Discharged 6.5 Creedmoor Casing
- 1 Bone-Handled Knife
- 1 Outdoor Edge Knife Sheath
- 17 Undischarged .22LR Ammunition
- 1 Dustpan Contents
- 1 Northwest Savings Bank Bag
A search warrant return is a document that is filed with the court by law enforcement officers after they have executed a search warrant. The purpose of the return is to provide a detailed account of the actions taken during the execution of the warrant, as well as a comprehensive list of any items that were seized as evidence.
According to a release issued on February 26, 2024, by Trooper Cindy Schick, Community Service Officer for PSP, troopers from Troop E – Corry, acting on a 9-1-1 emergency call, responded to the scene on Fish Flats Road in Sparta Township, Crawford County, at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Monday, February 26, where they found Rebekah Byler, who was pronounced dead at her home.
The young mother, awaiting the arrival of her third child, was discovered in the main living area by a family member and a friend, while her two young children were present, and her husband was absent.
According to court documents, Rebekah Byler suffered a laceration to the front of her neck in addition to a “scalping wound” on her head.
On Saturday, March 2, 52-year-old Shawn C. Cranston, of Corry, was arrested on suspicion of Byler’s murder.
Shawn Cranston mugshot courtesy of the Crawford County Jail.
Cranston has been charged with Criminal Homicide, Criminal Homicide of an Unborn Child, Burglary, and Criminal Trespass.
He was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Amy Nicols and has been denied bail as per the Rules of Criminal Procedure, given the nature of the charges. He is currently being held at the Crawford County Jail.
A probable cause affidavit that usually accompanies the complaint against an accused criminal is conspicuously absent in this case as police keep details close to their vest.
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