On May 18, 2026, at approximately 9:16 PM, officers of the City of Bradford Police Department responded to the North Bennett Street entrance of BRMC for a report of a stabbing victim.
The victim had walked to the hospital while suffering from a stab wound to the abdomen; however, upon arrival, he discovered the hospital had closed and subsequently had to call 911 for help. Upon officers’ arrival, it was confirmed that the victim had sustained a stab wound. Due to the severity of the injury, the victim was transported by medical helicopter to the Penn Highlands DuBois for further treatment. During the investigation, officers learned the victim had been walking on the trail near Country Fair when he became involved in a verbal altercation with a black male later identified as Adrian Washington (DOB: 07/02/1982). According to the victim, Washington initially left the area following the confrontation but later returned armed with a “katana”-style sword.
A second verbal altercation then occurred, during which Washington allegedly stabbed the victim. Witnesses on scene provided statements consistent with the victim’s account and described the suspect as a black male with braids or dreadlocks wearing a blue jersey-style shirt. Through further investigation, including the review of surveillance footage and witness identification procedures, Adrian Washington was positively identified as the individual responsible for the stabbing. Both the victim and multiple witnesses independently identified Washington as the suspect involved in the incident.
On today’s date, officers located and took Adrian Washington into custody without incident. Washington was charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and was arraigned before MDJ Richard Luther. Bail was set at $200,000 straight. Unable to post bail, Washington was remanded to the McKean County Jail pending further court proceedings.
Alumnus Carlyle Conn makes a gift to support Clays Target Team
BRADFORD, Pa. — Carlyle Conn, a University of Pittsburgh at Bradford alumnus and former competitive marksman, has created an endowed fund to enhance the operations and success of the university’s Clays Target Team. The fund will support student-athletes in being able to compete at a high level while also gaining a high-quality education.
“I was extremely proud to be able to support two things that are very close to my heart, Pitt-Bradford and shooting sports,” Conn says. “The team has gotten off to an amazing start, and I am very pleased to be able to contribute to team members’ growth both on the shooting range and in the classroom.”
Customers – especially at-risk households – encouraged to review usage and explore affordability options before peak summer temperatures arrive
HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is alerting consumers that electric generation prices for all PUC-regulated electric utilities will adjust on June 1 – just as summer temperatures and air-conditioning use begin increasing electricity demand across Pennsylvania.
Summer electric bills are influenced by two major factors: the market price of electricity and the amount of electricity used during periods of hot weather. While June 1 generation price adjustments may increase supply costs for many customers, extended heat waves and heavier air-conditioning use can have an even larger impact on total monthly bills.
The PUC encourages consumers to prepare now by reviewing their energy usage, exploring conservation opportunities, and to #CallUtilitiesNow to discuss tools like budget billing, payment arrangements, and other available assistance programs if they are concerned about summer bills.
Betsy Trueman, MSN (left) and Sister Teresa Ann Jacobs, SCC, director of Sponsorship (right) after Trueman was presented with the Sister Jean Mohl Award on Wednesday, May 6, at the UPMC in North Central Pa. Nurses Awards Banquet.
More than 200 UPMC in North Central Pa. nurses gathered at Bald Birds Brewing Company in Jersey Shore on Wednesday, May 6, to celebrate each other at the annual Nurses Recognition and Awards Banquet.
“As I have continued to acclimate to this region, what I see time and time again is dedication. Dedication to one another, to our communities, and to the patients and families we are privileged to serve. I see teams supporting teams, leaders leaning in, and nurses showing up with heart, skill, and resilience,” said Teresa Conyers, chief nursing officer, and vice president, Patient Care Services, UPMC North Central Pa. “This year’s system theme is “Because of You” and I cannot think of a phrase that better reflects what nursing represents. Because of you, patients feel safe. Because of you, families feel heard. Because of you, learning, innovation, and progress are happening right here at UPMC North Central Pa.”
HARRISBURG – A total of 265 disciplinary actions, including 121 education requirements and $183,750 in administrative penalties, have been taken against 151 underground facility owners, excavators and project owners in the latest enforcement actions by the Public Utility Commission’s (PUC’s) Damage Prevention Committee (DPC). These actions were taken during the DPC’s May 2026 meeting.
The next meeting of the DPC is Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 9 a.m. Members of the public, the media and others are invited to join the meeting virtually by clicking on this Microsoft Teams event link or by calling into the telephone conference by dialing 267-332-8737, and then entering phone conference ID 546 601 537# to listen to the meeting. The meeting agenda will be made available here.
About the DPC
The DPC is a peer-based group of 13 representatives, nominated by their industry or affiliated organizations and appointed by the PUC. Creation of the committee was authorized by Pennsylvania’s Underground Utility Line Protection Law – also known as the “One Call Law.” The focus of the DPC is to reduce the number of “hits” on undergro…
PA Wilds Center will be distributing $80,000 to 20 organizations based in the Pennsylvania Wilds, as part of the 2026 PA Wilds Community Engagement Mini-Grant program. Each recipient will receive $4,000 to support a project within the rural 13-county region.
Grant award recipients include:
Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau (McKean County)
Amoeba Media (Lycoming County)
Art in the Wilds, Inc. (McKean County)
Cameron County Chamber of Commerce (Cameron County)
City of Lock Haven (Clinton County)
Clinton County Economic Partnership (Clinton County)
Cosmos’ Lounge (McKean County)
Denton Hill Ski Patrol – Nordic (Potter County)
East Brady Area Development Corporation (Clarion County)
Heath Township Sportsmen’s Club (Jefferson County)
Johnsonburg Community Trust (Elk County)
Keystone Elk Country Alliance (Multi-County)
Lane’s End Farm Creamery and The Scoop Shoppe (Jefferson County)
Lumber Heritage Region of Pennsylvania, Inc. (Multi-County)
Mechanistic Brewing (Clarion County)
Northern Appalachian Discovery Museum (McKean County)
PA Made (Elk County)
Rail 66 Country Trail (Clarion County)
The Nature Inn at Bald Eagle (Centre County)
Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry (Warren County)
Mark S. Wolfel, 64, of St. Marys, passed away on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, following a lifetime defined by unending kindness, a gentle spirit, and heart that touched all who had the privilege of knowing him.He was born on August 30, 1961 in St. Marys, PA, a son of the late Raymond “Joe” and Yolanda Dragone Wolfel.
On September 19, 2013, in Key West, FL, he married Diane “Missy” Ginther Wolfel, who survives. Together they’ve shared many years of love, laughter and many fun traveling adventures.
Mark was a graduate of Elk Christian High School, Class of 1979. Mark retired after driving truck for many years at Alpha Precision Group. Mark found joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments-casting a line into quiet waters, feeling the warmth of the sun at the beach, and spending countless hours outdoors surrounded by the beauty of nature. He treasured time spent around a card table, playing cards with friends, where stories were shared and laughter was plentiful. But more than any hobby or pastime, he will be remembered for the way he treated others.
He possessed a true servant’s heart-always willing to lend a hand, offer quiet support, or put someone else’s needs ahead of his own without expecting anything in return. Exceptionally kind and gentle, he carried himself with humility and warmth, treating every person he met with respect, patience, and compassion. He never met a stranger and had a remarkable way of making people feel seen, welcomed, and valued. His greatest joy and proudest role in life was being “Big Mo” to his beloved grandchildren, who adored him beyond measure. To them, he was a steady presence, a gentle soul, and a grandfather whose love, kindness, and unwavering devotion created memories that will live on in the hearts of his beloved grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, Diane “Missy” Wolfel, he is survived by five children; Molly (Nick) DeStephano of Ridgway, Danielle Wolfel of Natrona Heights, Devin (Tammy) Weis of St. Marys, Steve (Amber) Weis of Treasure Lake, and Jake (Haley) Weis of St. Marys; and by his seven beloved grandchildren; Beau, Carter, Marshall, Lucy, Avery, Hudson, and Ziggy. He is also survived by two siblings; Mike (Darla) Wolfel and Rose (Dewey) Schaut both of St. Marys, and by numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Mark was preceded in death by his niece; Chanel Wolfel.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Mark S. Wolfel will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 10:00 AM at St. Marys Church, 315 Church Street, St. Marys, PA, 15957 with Fr. Thomas Curry, OSB, as celebrant.
Burial will follow in the St. Marys Catholic Cemetery.
Visitation will be at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, from 4:00 PM-6:00PM.
Rather than flowers, the family would welcome contributions to the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh at givetochildren.org
Lynch-Green Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 151 N. Michael Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefamilyfuneralhomes.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Mark S. Wolfel, please visit our flower store.
Edward Elmer Heyler “Ed” age 100 of Westfield passed away at home on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 with his loving family by his side. Born August 25, 1925, in Nauvoo, PA, he was the son of the late Elmer and Alta (Young) Heyler. Edward was married to Dorna B. Mudge on May 17, 1947. Before Dorna’s passing they had celebrated their 73rd Wedding Anniversary.
He is survived by a brother, Frederick Heyler of Nauvoo, PA, his children, Sam (MaryEllen) Heyler of Watsontown PA, (daughter-in-law) Constance Heyler of Westfield PA, Dick Heyler of Gillett PA, Martin (Joyce) Heyler of Westfield PA, and Nancy (David) Resseguie of Brockport NY; 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; he is also survived by two special daughters—Gail Hendershot and Cathy McNeeley. Edward was preceded in death by his son Daniel Heyler, his parents Elmer and Alta Heyler and siblings Earl Heyler, Romayn Heyler, Margaret Raker, and Mary Reed.
In his life he had many interests and pursuits to which he devoted much time and energy; they could be summed up in three words: family, faith and farming. He enjoyed traveling—local, national, and international, but his favorite was to wander the back roads discovering new sights along the way. Ed also loved farming and was surrounded by fields, livestock, flowers and vegetables. This love grew from the fact that he, along with his wife Dorna, managed a successful business—Heyler’s Farm and greenhouse from 1953 to the present. In fact, days before and after his 100th birthday, Ed was driving his tractor to and from the fields and raking hay.
Ed received his B.A. degree in Agriculture Education from Penn State in 1950 and his Masters Degree in Agriculture Education in 1965. He was an Agriculture teacher in the Northern Tioga School District, primarily at the Cowanesque Jr Sr High School where he taught for 35 years. He, along with his wife Dorna was awarded an Honorary Keystone Degree as well as an Honorary American Farmer award. He was a lifelong Republican and never missed a chance to vote.
He was a member of the Westfield United Methodist Church and lately of the Cowanesque United Methodist church, where at the end of his tenure in the churches he served as a trustee, a board member, a Sunday School Teacher, and a lay speaker. Taking this pursuit to a higher level, Edward became an accomplished Lay Speaker and led services in many churches throughout the area. You knew he was speaking when he began his services with the words: “I’d like to begin by telling you a funny little story.” He always said that God had a sense of humor. At one point in his career he began to officiate at funeral services, comforting many friends, relation, and community members as they mourned.
Ed was also a lifelong member of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau. This was a result of his deep love for the land. It was not uncommon for people to stop at his farm for advice on gardening farming, building, raising kids, or spiritual guidance. His heart was also open to these people in need of nourishment be it physical, spiritual or emotional, or just to reconnect after years away from Westfield. When he was 97 years old, Ed was awarded the Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award, a statewide award given to one person who contributed to agriculture in Pennsylvania. Ed traveled to Harrisburg to accept the award and deliver a speech to a room of over 600 Farm Bureau dignitaries and representatives. Ed’s speech to the crowd encapsulated his philosophy of life and was received with a standing ovation at the end.
Ed touched many lives with his approach to kindness and service to his farm, his faith, and his family. The Reverand Gere Reist commented that, “Ed truly lived his faith.” Services are the following: a viewing will be held from 5 to 7 pm on Friday May 29 at the Kenyon Funeral Home in Westfield, PA. The following day, May 30th, services will be held at the Westfield Methodist Church: a viewing from 11 to 1 pm, and a funeral at 1 pm. to be followed by a graveside committal with military honors, and at the same time a Cookie and Pie reception will be held in the Westfield Methodist Youth Center.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Cowanesque United Methodist Church, Westfield, PA 16950. This is a time for fellowship and stories—reconnections and laughter. For as Ed always said, God likes laughter, smiles, and kindness.
A celebration of Janice Stromberg’s life will be held on Saturday, May 23rd, 2026, at 1PM in the Port Allegany Veteran’s Memorial Home, 4743 Rt. 155, Port Allegany, PA.
Arrangements are under the direction of Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port
The Potter County Farmers Market will be outdoors on the square across from the county jail, every Friday from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Market will also be held on Saturday, if vendors are available, from 11 am to 3 pm. The next market weekend will be this Friday, May 22nd and Saturday, May 23rd. Below is a list of who plans to be there and what they plan on bringing to the Market:
[NOTICES:
* NEW SCHEDULE FOR 2026. The outdoor market is held EACH FRIDAY. Market will also be held on SATURDAY IF VENDORS ARE AVAILABLE. Market will be held from May through December (weather permitting).
* Market times have been established after many trial times over the years. If you are not able to visit us and would like something particular from one of the vendors, please contact them directly. They are willing to try to accommodate your request.
* If you are interested in joining the market this year or have any questions please contact …. Netra Baker, 814-544-7313 netrabaker2@gmail.com]
FRIDAY VENDORS – 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm
ME AND MY BOYS SOAP will be there on Friday and maybe Saturday weather permitting. We will have a selection of goat milk based products. We accept cash or card payments.
CARING CRAFTS will be at the market on Friday! Will have a variety of Homemade Travel Pillows and Plastic Canvas Ornaments/Magnets to choose from! Cash payments excepted! If you miss us and would like to place an order like us on Facebook or contact me (Jessica Cornelius) 814 203 2482! Hope to see everyone Friday!
BLU IVY CREATIONS plans to attend the farmers market Friday (a bit late) and Saturday if weather permitting. I carry a varieties of handcrafted items. -Crochet: towel sets, dishcloths/ washcloths, water bottles and holders, purses, tops, lanyards, wristlets, blankets, market bags, etc. -Wood burnt items: coaster sets, keychains, etc. -Tutus, girls headbands, etc. -Bath bombs. I accept cash, Venmo, PayPal, MasterCard, Visa, CashApp and other bank cards.
C & V SOAP AND CANDLES plans on being to the farmers market Friday and Saturday if weather permitting. We have handmade different varieties of scented and unscented soaps. Bath bombs, beard balms, lip balms, bath salts, body butters, lotion bars. We also have flower candle bouquets, wax warmers , flower candle vases. We accept cash, Venmo, PayPal, MasterCard, Visa and other bank cards. You can contact us at vickymoon60@gmail.com. or 801-660-8457. We also have a Facebook page. C & V Soap and Candles.
QUIET ACRES will be at market on Friday, weather permitting. We will have the Haldeman line of mixes, handmade aprons for everyone and rope creations- coasters and bowls of many sizes and styles. We accept cash payments. Our items are also available at Kaytee’s restaurant in Coudersport and Local Treasures in Port Allegany.
VALLEY HONEY is planning to be at the market on Friday. We will have various sizes of liquid honey, whipped honey, honey gift bags, honey sticks and beeswax for sale. We accept cash payments. Hope to see everyone there!
SATURDAY VENDORS – 11 am to 3 pm
ME AND MY BOYS SOAP will be there on Friday and maybe Saturday weather permitting. We will have a selection of goat milk based products. We accept cash or card payments.
BLU IVY CREATIONS plans to attend the farmers market Friday (a bit late) and Saturday if weather permitting. I carry a varieties of handcrafted items. -Crochet: towel sets, dishcloths/ washcloths, water bottles and holders, purses, tops, lanyards, wristlets, blankets, market bags, etc. -Wood burnt items: coaster sets, keychains, etc. -Tutus, girls headbands, etc. -Bath bombs. I accept cash, Venmo, PayPal, MasterCard, Visa, CashApp and other bank cards.
C & V SOAP AND CANDLES plans on being to the farmers market Friday and Saturday if weather permitting. We have handmade different varieties of scented and unscented soaps. Bath bombs, beard balms, lip balms, bath salts, body butters, lotion bars. We also have flower candle bouquets, wax warmers , flower candle vases. We accept cash, Venmo, PayPal, MasterCard, Visa and other bank cards. You can contact us at vickymoon60@gmail.com. or 801-660-8457. We also have a Facebook page. C & V Soap and Candles.
“Be still and know that I am God” (Ps 46:10) reminds us that we don’t have to carry everything on our shoulders. So why don’t we follow this wisdom? When it comes to letting go, we don’t. When it’s time to relax, we don’t. When we’re constantly striving, we don’t have to, but we do anyway. Why? Are we gluttons for punishment?
I am really trying to be still. I even have a reminder on my phone set for noon every day to remind myself to step back and breathe. Why? Perhaps it’s because I’ve learned that being busy is the more acceptable way of life.
Remember when we complained to our parents that we had nothing to do, and they responded, “If you can’t find something to do, then I’ll find something.” If you’re like me, you learned quickly not to complain. In fact, you probably also learned that being busy was the more acceptable way of life. For you and me, sitting idly while doing nothing seems just plain wrong. Because this has been drummed into our heads, we feel guilty when we’re simply trying to be still. Here lies the problem, and it’s one we’re going to have to address if we’re going to learn how to practice stillness in the way this Psalm means.
Even religion tends to place the focus of worship and following God on doing rather than on being. We are told to go to church, pray, and read the Bible. But how often are we told to sit and just be quiet? When was the last time you were told to sit, be still, and listen for the voice of God? Wouldn’t that mean being quiet and ceasing the business of your life? No, sadly, even in religion, we are encouraged, sometimes very strongly, to do for God because this is what He expects and wants.
Have you ever had that time in your life when things are tough, and you want someone to just sit with you? The kind of sitting that doesn’t involve questions? Yeah, that’s like what this Psalm means. Think about it.
Belmont, NY – The Allegany County Democratic Committee is pleased to announce that Serin Al-Fadhali, a junior at Alfred-Almond Central School, has been named the winner of its second annual Student Civic Engagement Award. An award reception will take place at the Alfred Station Seventh Day Baptist Church on Sunday, May 31st at 12:30 p.m., and is open to all.
This award seeks to recognize Allegany County students in grades 11 and 12 for the ways in which they contribute to community life. It is a monetary award of $500.00 unrelated to academic performance. It is not a scholarship and need not be applied to the cost of secondary education.
Evelyn V. McIntyre, age 74, of Frankford, DE, formerly of Galeton, PA, peacefully passed away on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes, DE.
Born in Wellsboro, PA, Evelyn was the cherished daughter of the late Franklin George Pletcher and Evelyn Louise (Hensel) Pletcher. A woman of remarkable talent and dedication, she owned and operated Galeton Greenhouse in Galeton, PA, and served as President of Smith of Galeton Gloves before bringing her warmth and work ethic to Delaware. There, she devoted over two decades to human resources, serving Stockley Center, DNREC, and retiring from the Delaware Veterans Home in Milford, DE.
Evelyn’s life was a celebration of beauty—both in nature and in family. Her green thumb brought gardens to life, and she delighted in days by the beach, shopping excursions, and above all, the laughter and love shared with her family. Her heart was generous, her spirit enduring, and her presence a gift to all who knew her.
Mark S. Wolfel, 64, of St. Marys, passed away on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, following a lifetime defined by unending kindness, a gentle spirit, and heart that touched all who had the privilege of knowing him. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Lynch-Green Funeral Home.
COUDERSPORT, PA—Randy R. Deiter, 64, a longtime resident and businessman of Coudersport, passed away with his loving family by his side on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport, after a lengthy illness.
Born on Thursday, July 20, 1961 in Coudersport, he was a son of Richard R. Deiter and Carol Deiter Espenshade. On December 15, 1995 in Coudersport, he married Dawnette D. Strayer, who survives.
Randy was a graduate of Coudersport High School, Class of 1979. He was a self-employed painter, having taken great pride in his work.
He, along with his wife, Dawn, enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and hiking. His greatest love was his family.
CERES, PA—Sandra Lee “Sandy” Peterson, 77, of Ceres, PA, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 18, 2026.
Born on Wednesday, August 11, 1948, in Cuba, NY, she was the daughter of Adam and Zora Wakefield Wysocki.
Sandy earned her GED from Bolivar Central High School. She was employed by the former Acme Electric in Allegany, NY, and Cuba, NY, as a technician. She was later employed by Dresser-Rand in Wellsville, NY.
Sandy was a member of the Ceres United Methodist Church. She very much enjoyed mowing her yard, playing cards, and her cats.
Timothy D. “Pops” James Sr., 59, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, May 17, 2026.
Born Nov. 22, 1966, in Buffalo, NY, he was the son of Robert James Jr. and Patricia Ann Truehart.
Tim was born and raised in Buffalo, NY, surrounded by a large, caring, loving family. Tim was a very family-oriented man. In his younger years of life, he spent many weekends and nights on Northland St. at his grandmother’s house. When he was going to school, he spent his time on Landon St., where he was accompanied by his great aunt and sister. After graduating from Grover Cleveland High School in 1985, he left and made his new residence in Bradford. He has resided in Bradford for the last 35+ years.
Tim had many friends. He was a very fun, outgoing, loving man. He was respectful, humble, and proud. He loved to cook, have company, listen to music, watch sports and wrestling, but most of all loved being a dad and loved his children. He loved playing video games with his children, watching them grow, and teaching them. He was proud to be their father.
New Rotarian Brent Bryant and Rotary President Andrea Streich
At the May 18, 2026 meeting of the Coudersport Rotary Club held at A&W West End Grill, Rotarians welcomed new member Brent Bryant.
A longtime educator, technology leader, and community advocate in Potter County, Brent currently teaches networking at Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center and previously served as Technology Director for the Northern Potter School District.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports a conviction in the homicide trial of Thomas MCELHATTAN. Following a 4-day jury trial, the jury delivered a verdict of Guilty to all counts – Criminal Homicide-Murder in the 1st Degree; Aggravated Assault; and two counts of Recklessly Endangering Another Person- one count each for the deceased victim as well as her one-year-old child who was present in the home.
The Commonwealth sought enhancements for use of a deadly weapon and the jury agreed. The case was initiated after MCELHATTAN called 911 on June 7, 2025, and reported that he had shot a woman on Jefferson Street in Bradford. MCELHATTAN had left the location and proceeded to his residence on Rutherford Run. City of Bradford Police Sgt. Matthew Gustin and Officer Joshua Frederoski were dispatched to the victim’s residence on Jefferson Street and were able to view an obviously deceased victim on the couch through a window.
Sgt. Gustin kicked in the door and found 21-year-old Rebecca Haynes deceased on the couch with obvious gunshot wounds. The officers observed five shell casings and observed gun shot wounds to the victim including one through her ring finger. City of Bradford EMS responded but she was deceased. As City of Bradford Officers were responding to Jefferson Street, Bradford Township Officer Donald Neel was dispatched to Rutherford Run where he encountered MCELHATTAN and took him into custody. Throughout the evening of June 7th, officers from the City, Bradford Township, Foster Township, Pennsylvania State Police, County Detectives and District Attorney worked on both scenes to collect evidence.
An autopsy was performed by Dr. Todd Luckasevich of the Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office in the following days who found that Rebecca Haynes suffered 5 gunshot wounds- 4 that went through her heart including a gunshot wound that passed through her hand and entered into her heart; two more gunshot wounds to the chest that entered into her heart; and two more that entered from her side – one through her shoulder and one through her upper back. Each shot was determined by the doctor to be fatal and she was alive for each shot.
Four of the bullets were located in Haynes’ body while one exited her lower back. A search of the residence located the bullet in her couch cushion. Two of the gunshot wounds were determined to have been fired at close range.
Bradford City Police Chief Michael Ward and McKean County Chief Detective Ryan Yingling interviewed MCELHATTAN. MCELHATTAN initially denied a sexual affair with Haynes, however, the investigators were able to elicit from him, ultimately, that he had, in fact, had an ongoing affair with Haynes for two years and Haynes repeatedly threatened to tell his wife.
MCELHATTAN said that nothing was different on June 7 than any other day other than he wasn’t feeling well and was fed up and said that there was no “safe” way to get her to stop from telling his wife. The investigators and everyone who had contact with MCELHATTAN that day described him as alarmingly calm.
The interviewers were the last witnesses called by the Commonwealth. District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer: “I am grateful for the jury’s verdict. The evidence was not easy for jurors to see, I’m sure, but it was important to show them the condition of Rebecca Haynes and how the bullets entered her body- some at close range according to experts. These factors suggested an intentional killing and that was what we were seeking in a Murder in the first-degree verdict.
Although this brings us closer to the only justice the criminal justice system can provide for Rebecca, I know that her family and long-time boyfriend Devin still suffer every day from the defendant’s violent actions as will the defendant’s wife. My heart breaks for all of them. Rebecca’s mother and boyfriend expressed appreciation for the jury’s verdict, and I would like to convey that on their behalf to any juror reading this. Each piece of evidence, albeit important to the case, opened old wounds.
The senselessness of the defendant’s actions – murder to keep an affair quiet – makes her death even more difficult to comprehend. I also would like to commend our officers for their response, which was captured by their body-worn cameras. At the victim’s residence on Jefferson Street, Sgt. Matthew Gustin and Officer Joshua Frederoski, seeing her deceased body on the couch through a window, kicked in the door to gain entry to her residence without knowing if danger was lurking inside. Officer Donald Neel, upon being dispatched to Rutherford Run after the defendant called 911, raced to the defendant’s residence and took him into custody while knowing he just shot a woman.”
DA Shaffer explained the crime of Homicide: “Many people do not realize that, despite the defendant calling 911 to report what he had done, the Commonwealth must still prove he committed a Homicide which is required to be proven by other evidence before his confession is admissible.
If we can prove Homicide, we are then required to prove the level of Homicide which can be, in any case, any of the following: Murder in the First Degree, Murder in the Second Degree, Murder in the Third Degree, Voluntary Manslaughter and Involuntary Manslaughter. In this case, the jury was able to decide whether the homicide was Murder 1, Murder 3 or Voluntary Manslaughter/heat of passion justification.
So the work does not end at the 911 call. I rely on experienced interviewers to gain information from the defendant to determine what level of Homicide we could prove. In this case, the defense argued that he should only be found guilty of Voluntary Manslaughter/heat of passion justification which would be a sentence of only a couple of years.
Chief County Detective Ryan Yingling and Chief Michael Ward conducted the interview of the defendant and, it was the information gleaned from that interview, which proved his actions were intentional and without legal justification.
Their experience in these complicated cases and knowledge of the elements of each crime that could be charged allows them to know the types of questions to ask and is critical to the prosecution. Proving Murder in the First Degree versus a heat of passion Voluntary Manslaughter came down to this interview.” DA Shaffer continued:
“This case was the culmination of excellent police work of the responding officers, officers who processed evidence, cooperative witnesses, and the experienced interviewers in proving intentional, First-Degree Murder. Some officers responded to the scene while others processed evidence and interviewed witnesses. In the days that followed the murder, videos from neighbors and city surveillance cameras were obtained and allowed Officer Tyler Blair to track MCELHATTAN’S movements from the time he left his house with the victim’s one year old child to the time he arrived at her residence.”
Video showed that, when MCELHATTAN arrived, his key did not work in the door, and phone records showed that he called Rebecca who was inside. She had previously messaged him to leave items on the porch. Several minutes elapsed until he was finally able to enter the home only to exit a few minutes later, still on the phone with Rebecca who was still inside. He entered once again and was inside for 12 minutes before calmly exiting with the child, placing the child in the back seat of his truck, and driving to his residence. Thirteen minutes after he left, he placed the 911 call.
Witnesses testified that, just prior to calling 911, he told Rebecca’s boyfriend and his friends, “I shot her in the cocksucker. I shot her in the heart she doesn’t have.” DA Vettenburg-Shaffer: “The evidence shows that the motive of the crime was to keep his affair a secret. The defendant’s actions were cold and intentional and he showed no remorse.
He deserves a sentence of life in prison which is the standard sentence for Murder in the First Degree. Throughout the case, the work of our officers and others continued up to the time of trial including Chief Ward, Chief Yingling, Sgt. Gustin, Officer Neel, Officer Frederoski, Trooper Coby Sebastian, Dr. Luckasevic, Rebecca’s mother, Shanel McElhattan, Trooper Jason Perry, Devin Milne, Joe Teeter, 911 operator Evan Rodriguez, Officer Tyler Blair, Det. Mark Deluca and Capt. Ray Douglass as well as countless hours of police work by assisting officers with the City, Bradford Township, State Police and Foster Township maintaining security at both crime scenes. Excellent police work and cooperation of witnesses allowed for the presentation of a case that supported a First-Degree Murder verdict.”
Chief Michael Ward and Chief Ryan Yingling were co-affiants on the case. District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth. Sentencing will be held on June 24th.
