Police also helped identify Benyo after officials found a piece of paper addressed to her at the crime scene. While examining the interior of Langford's car, a bat with Surratt's fingerprints was found, as well as a number of items belonging to a 30-year-old disabled Vietnam War veteran Joseph Weinman and his wife, 29-year-old Catherine, who were beaten to death on September 30, 1977, in their Marshall Township, Pennsylvania home. Beaver County is in the 31st percentile for safety, meaning 69% of counties are safer and 31% of counties are more dangerous. After his release, and with the financial support of his parents, Edward entered Youngstown University in Ohio, subsequently moving to the state. He spent his childhood and adolescence in an abusive environment. Pennsylvania State Police at (724) 773-7400. McCarthy was convicted of criminal solicitation and sentenced to five to ten years in prison. The victim's father managed to free himself from his bonds and by fleeing the home was able to contact the police. 2 Pennsylvania, Beaver County, Aliquippa Baker Cemetery This cemetery was established by George Baker on his land for his family and heirs. We tell Williams story on this months episode of Cold Case Beaver County at Timesonline.com. CENTER TWP. State Killings in the Steel City: The History of the Death Penalty in Pittsburgh. Channel 11 reached out to the family of Mariah Sambol, but they did not wish to comment. The rate of murder in Beaver County is 0.05 per 1,000 residents during a standard year. Then, I heard the gunshots, and I knew something happened.". It was terrible. Robert Sealock sends a letter to Couch, alleging that Watkins acted unprofessionally and could have contaminated the DelTondo crime scene. The reversal was based on the absence of aggravating factors warranting a death sentence. However, in view of him already being sentenced to long terms of imprisonment, the Beaver County prosecutors refused to prosecute or formally charge Surratt in 1980.[20][21]. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. He beat and terrorized the adults, and sexually violated the couple's 15-year-old daughter. In March 1974, he was found guilty and convicted. According to the complaint, Sosack was drunk and high while driving. . After finding Feeny's body, Gregor was reported missing, with her fate remaining a mystery. Alex Murdaugh faces 30 years to life in prison without parole if convicted of the killings, for which he has pleaded not guilty. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. It breaks my heart and I feel bad for the family, she said. District attorneys dont plan to prosecute him for the cold cases because of his life sentences, the statement said. "One of the things that I think I explained to you was that he was of a theatrical type presence in the courtroom and he could get very emotional doing closing arguments in front of a jury.". Unwilling to reach a financial settlement with his wife and bitter that his scheme to defraud had been revealed (Mayhue v. Mayhue, 336 Pa. Superior Ct. 188, 1984), Fred Mayhue began to plan her murder. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. MINERSVILLE, Beaver County, Utah, Nov. 9, 2021 (Gephardt Daily) A Minersville woman was charged Monday with aggravated murder and conspiracy in connection with her husband's Sept. 26. Two other parked cars were also hit in the chain reaction. [181] L Wei (23-24), a female Chinese diver who was a gold medalist in Universiade and Asian Games from 1982 to 1987 who while at her friend's house on 9 May 1990, was murdered along with the friend. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. In total, between 1967 and 1970, he took part in a total of 11 military operations, for which he was later awarded the Gallantry Cross and the Purple Heart. The Beaver County Times reported. Police have filed homicide charges against 20-year-old Decarlos Warren of Michigan. They're also accused of trying . In addition, credit card receipts and a number of other evidence showed that Surratt was in Boardman, Ohio, not far from where another similar murder occurred, making him a prime suspect in the killings altogether. According to a jury . Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. View all posts by Bill Lofquist, Your email address will not be published. Beaver County Detective Bureau at (724) 773-8550. On July 1, he broke into a house and attacked the family of three living there. After serving less than four years in prison, Surratt was paroled and released in January 1977, after which he returned to Aliquippa. Only one county in the entire state is showing a substantial spread of COVID-19. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. You can also read the documentation to learn about Wordfence's blocking tools, or visit wordfence.com to learn more about Wordfence. Wesley Dean Deaderick, 29, also is charged with reckless . Surratt also claimed to have killed 17-year-old John Feeny, who was shot to death on October 22, 1977, in Findlay Township, Pennsylvania, while trying to meet his 16-year-old fiance Ranee Gregor. Mayhue died in prison on October 3, 2013. One of the passengers in the car Sosack was driving, 19-year-old Mariah Sambol, was killed. Some people are upset at the way iPhones charge. Surratt was dismissed from the Army in August 1965 and returned to Aliquippa, where he inherited the business of his late father, who had died in June of that year due to complications from throat cancer. In trying to find a link to the other area slayings, investigators discovered that the shell casing found in the Hyde home matched one found in the home of Nancy and William Adams Jr. of Fallston,. AMBRIDGE, PA A Beaver County woman has been charged with shooting two of her daughters to death. ABCNews. PSP investigators never stopped seeking justice for the victims of these terrible crimes and their families, Lt. Surratt, who has been in prison since 1978, implicated himself in the killings of William and Nancy Adams, Guy and Laura Mills, Joel Krueger and John Shelkons, PSP said. On October 27, he was sentenced to two life imprisonment terms and an additional 200 years imprisonment. American murderer, rapist and suspected serial killer, List of serial killers in the United States, "Ohio officials reviewing trucker's routes after he's labeled serial killer", "Coon links Surratt to 18 slayings in area", "Slay suspect Surratt a hometown mystery", "Suspect in 1977 slayings never tried for them", "District man eluds police hunt, sought slayings in S.C. area", "Mystery murders, disappearances stump Police in region", "Slay suspect may be linked to area killings", "Area Slayings Suspect Seized: Surratt picked up in Florida", "Truck Driver suspect in string of murders", "Florida gives Surratt 200 years for rape", "S.C. Jury indicts Surratt in 1978 beating murder", "Edward Surratt, now in a Florida jail cell, may never return to Pennsylvania to face charges in a murder authorities say he has admitted", "Beaver County drops murder charge on Surratt", "Serial killer admits to 2 Findlay deaths in 1977", "A year later questions haunt the parents of John Feeny", "Florida inmate says he killed 6 in Pennsylvania in 1970s", Linda June Hamilton on The Charley Project, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Edward_Surratt&oldid=1135747813, American people convicted of attempted rape, Prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment by Florida, Prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment by South Carolina, Recipients of the Gallantry Cross (Vietnam), United States Army personnel of the Vietnam War, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 26 January 2023, at 16:41. He is not someone who is bragging about this, DeLuca said. Edward agreed to indicate Gregor and Hamilton's burial sites, as well as to testify in other murders in exchange for a transfer to a penitentiary in South Carolina, where conditions were much more lenient; his offer was denied, however, and ultimately, no agreement was reached. In 2007, after serving 29 years in prison, Surratt confessed to six murders, but no charges were brought against him, despite credible circumstantial evidence indicating that he was indeed the perpetrator. A Pennsylvania serial killer in jail since the 1970s has confessed to six more murders, authorities said. In 2007, he had confessed to six other killings and hes a suspected in at least 10 other homicides in Ohio, Pennsylvania and South Carolina, according to The Times. Serial killer confesses to 1977-78 murders in Beaver County, 2 Decades-Old Beaver County Homicides Solved With Confession From Convicted Serial Killer Edward Surratt, Pennsylvania tax collections continue to rebound from pandemic, Only 1 Pa. county has high spread of COVID-19, as statewide positive test rate drops to 3.8%, Thats not the mascot! BEAVER COUNTY, Pa. A woman is facing murder charges in an October crash in Beaver County. Related video: Two . On appeal, on March 18, 1994, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court vacated Mayhues death sentence and sentenced him to life imprisonment (Commonwealth v. Mayhue, 536 Pa. 271). Over the next several months, he received treatment at a military hospital, from which he was released in the summer of 1970. It was terrible. Once in jail, Mayhue solicited fellow inmates to kill witnesses against him. The trail may have grown cold, but investigators have not given up on the case of Anna Rocknick, an elderly Harmony Township woman brutally beaten to death on Christmas Eve 2005. Sunshine returns to SoCal on Thursday but cold temps stick around, World of Barbie to open next month at Santa Monica Place, Jupiter and Venus appear to 'kiss' in the sky. The motive is still unclear. Join us as we take you behind the scenes with never-before published photos and facts in a video series of open and unsolved murders in Beaver County. On January 27, 1949, Margaret Bankowski from Ambridge went missing. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. His body was recovered from Gavuras property on February 12, 1987. While being arrested, Surratt, in spite of several warning shots, fiercely resisted seven officers and managed to escape, hiding in a nearby metallurgical plant on the Ohio River. [182] The killers were never found. Cemetery is presently maintained by the trustees of The Blockhouse Baker Association. Her body was found in the trunk of the car she had been driving at 3:00am the next day at the Findlay Township, Allegheny County, home of David Kisow. Around 5:24 p.m., Johnson is seen going south on Constitution Boulevard, though Benyo is not in his car, according to the criminal complaint. You will then receive an email that helps you regain access. Watch this months episode of Cold Case Beaver County to find out the story of George Cowboy Anderson described by many as a friendly man who didnt bother anyone. "I heard two gunshots," she said. [6][7], Edward Surratt came under police suspicion in April 1978. At the time of the divorce filing, the Mayhues, who lived in Rochester (Beaver County), Pennsylvania, and had been married for more than thirty years, were joint owners of a residential sewer cleaning business, E.L. Mayhue & Son. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. In 2007, after serving 29 years in prison, Surratt confessed to six murders, but no charges were brought against him . Click to reveal In 1959, he was arrested for disturbing the peace, but escaped with a fine. "You asked me what kind of lawyer Alex was, and I told you he was a good lawyer," Crosby said. Surratt would not tell police how many people he killed in Pennsylvania, Trooper Max DeLuca told the AP. http://www.timesonline.com/coldcase/, William Williamson was well-known and well-respected in Aliquippa, with his commitment to the community earning him the nickname Caretaker of Spring Street. In August of 1997, he was brutally murdered in a case that is still unsolved. According to state police,. Firefighters found the body of Rolando Contreras,. In a shocking development, Crystal stated that her brothers, Robert and Michael, were responsible for the attacks. BEAVER COUNTY (KDKA) -- A witness at the center of a case involving a woman found shot to death in Beaver County is sharing what she saw and heard. In 1973, he was arrested in Virginia Beach, Virginia on charges of attempting to rape a 13-year-old boy. Girls high school basketball team forfeits a game because it refused to play against a team with a transgender player, Fox Leaders Wanted to Break From Trump but Struggled to Make It Happen, Not Going to Read That: White House Press Secretary Brushes Off DeSantis Op-Ed, Road Closed After Car Crashed Into Power Pole, 20-year-old teacher's assistant dies in car crash, North Carolina auditor apologizes over hit-and-run, says she would change my decision from that night, 29-year-old crossing road with child dies after two cars hit her, Florida cops say. Surratt, 79, a Beaver County native serving life in . His was one of the first permanent families to settle in Beaver County. [8], He was eventually arrested and interrogated, but denied any responsibility for all the crimes, and since there was no evidence linking Surratt to them, he was released. | Watch WPXI NOW, Pittsburgh Regional Transits plan to implement rapid transit could affect existing routes. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. When George Andersons body was found floating in the Ohio River in April 1983, one thing was immediately clear: this was no accident. He's accused of killing 30-year-old Tyric Pugh in Aliquippa. Bed Bath & Beyond to close 87 more stores, Former Pittsburgh man sentenced to life in prison for drug, gun crimes, Findlay Township business owner accused of possessing child porn, VIDEO: Ketchup bottle will return when Gate C at Acrisure Stadium becomes Heinz Gate, DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts, Remains found in New Castle identified as man reported missing in 2013, 3 people dead after 2 separate shootings in McKeesport; scenes not connected, police say, Man facing charges after police chase on busy Ambridge road, Man found dead in courtyard after shooting in Arlington Heights. A serial killer has confessed to unsolved murders that took place in Beaver County during the 1970s. Your IP: A suspect has been charged in a Beaver County shooting that left two dead and three injured. He was charged with attempted escape, convicted in May 1994 and received an additional 2 years and 6 months imprisonment. After returning from the war, Surratt married and moved to North Carolina, where he soon found a job as a truck driver. The jury in the double murder trial of disgraced South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh -- who is accused of killing his wife and younger son at the family's property in 2021 -- will travel to the site of the brutal killings on Wednesday ahead of closing arguments. New evidence presented in court against 14-year-old accused of killing teen in Carrick. A woman is facing murder charges in an October crash in Beaver County. The 54-year-old attorney is accused of fatally shooting his wife and son in 2021. police charged John Johnson Jr. with homicide. Last week, Sharon Benyo was found dead in. Today in Pa. is dedicated to sharing the most important and interesting stories pertaining to Pennsylvania that lets you know, indeed, whats happening today in Pa. Todays episode refers to the following articles: If you enjoy Today in Pa., consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or on Amazon. "You just can't really appreciate the spatial issues without actually seeing them," defense attorney Richard Harpootlian told the court on Monday. Edward Arthur Surratt (born August 8, 1941) is an American murderer, rapist and suspected serial killer.Convicted of a single murder and several rapes in 1978, he remains the prime suspect in a series of murders in Pennsylvania, Ohio and South Carolina between 1977 and 1978. "I heard the vehicle before I heard the gunshots. During this period, he began to exhibit antisocial behavior and signs of PTSD. My present research focuses on the history of the death penalty in Allegheny County (Pittsburgh), Pa. Prosecutors have focused on footage taken from Paul Murdaugh's cellphone the night of the murders, including a video taken at the kennels several minutes before the victims were believed to be killed that investigators said has Alex Murdaugh talking in the background. 0:57. Initially denying any knowledge of what happened, Kisow began to cooperate with police after receiving a threatening phone call from Mayhue. He reportedly could not buy one because of previous burglary charges. [18][19] At his first trial, Surratt confessed to the murder of 56-year-old John Shelkons, who was shot with a shotgun at his home in Baden, Pennsylvania on January 7, 1978, as well as attacking his wife Catherine, who was beaten severely but lived. Here's why. In the spring of 1967, after completing his training, he was sent to Vietnam. Jaci Palmer, also an Ambridge resident, is the organization's founder and director. Pa. high school dismissed after bobcat invades building. The Pennsylvania district attorneys in the counties where the murders occurred agreed not to prosecute Surratt due to the life sentences he is already serving.[5][25]. One of the passengers in the car Sosack was driving, 19-year-old Mariah Sambol, was killed. Channel 11 reached out to the family of Mariah Sambol, but they did not wish to comment. Enjoy "Today in Pa.," a daily news briefing hosted by Claudia Dimuro. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. On May 8, 1993, during a transfer to a prison in Polk County, he attempted to escape by attacking a police officer and seizing his vehicle, but was prevented from doing so. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Court paperwork says another witness told investigators that they purchased a .380 caliber handgun for Johnson in 2016. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. ABC News' Janice McDonald contributed to this report. Adams' corpse was found at his home, while his wife remains missing. "Bobcat" invades local high school. It was terrible.. Former trucker Edward Surratt, now 79, had for years been a suspect in these killings and a number of other cold cases in the Keystone State and neighboring Ohio. KDKA's Jennifer Borrasso talked to a woman who came forward with crucial information. Channel 11 has learned 20-year-old Hanna Sosack is facing third-degree murder and homicide by vehicle charges. Harlene Mayhue was last seen leaving a birthday party for her daughter, Debbie Meyer, at Meyers New Galilee home at 10:45pm on December 15, 1986. They have also discussed five to seven other cases outside of the state polices jurisdiction, The Associated Press said. It breaks my heart and I feel bad for the family, she said. For the rest of his life, Edward Surratt has been housed in various institutions across Florida. He served at Fort Dix, New Jersey, where he was disciplined at least twice: for injuring a colleague with a pipe during a fight; and abandoning his post, later being arrested by local police for dangerous driving and illegal weapons possession. The blaze broke out around 1:15 a.m . You can listen to the latest episode of Today in Pa at this link, or on any of your favorite apps including Alexa, Apple, Google, Spotify, and Stitcher. Despite his elaborate efforts to use friends to construct an alibi, Mayhue was arrested on December 22, 1986, due to inconsistencies in stories told by him and his friends. Investigators found a .380 caliber bullet casing at the crime scene. Serial killer confesses to Beaver County murders. Alex Murdaugh told investigators early in the case that he was not down by the kennels that night and had last seen his wife and son at dinner before finding bodies upon returning home from visiting his mother. CHINO, Calif. (KABC) -- Two brothers were found guilty of murder in connection with the death of a groom at his 2019 wedding reception in Chino, prosecutors announced Tuesday. James Hardin, a Rochester Township commissioner and former police officer, Gerald McCarthy, and Edward Lau were also arrested for their involvement in various roles in plots to kill Mrs. Mayhue. http://www.timesonline.com/coldcase/bradley/, http://www.timesonline.com/coldcase/triska/. Episodes are available every weekday on PennLive. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. In September, Edward was demobilized and returned to the USA. A Pennsylvania serial killer in jail since the 1970s has confessed to six more murders, authorities said. 162.0.216.70 On Saturday, police charged John Johnson Jr. with homicide. She was 29 when someone broke into their mobile home located in an. Independence Police Department (724) 378-8074. At the time, he was working as a truck driver for a company based in Charlotte, North Carolina, and during his professional career, from 1977 to 1978, he visited cities in both Ohio and Pennsylvania, where a series of at least 27 unsolved murders stirred a moral panic among the population. Your access to this service has been limited. The jury in the double murder trial of disgraced South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh -- who is accused of killing his wife and younger son at the family's property in 2021 -- will .