PA Police Officer, US Navy Reservist Killed While Deployed: CENTCOM Says PA Police Officer, US Navy Reservist Killed While Deployed: CENTCOM Says
PA Police Officer, US Navy Reservist Killed While Deployed: CENTCOM Says Officials are investigating the death of Pennsylvania police officer and US Navy reservist Daniel McCracken.  Chester City police officer Daniel D. McCracken died on May 6, 2024 of a non-combat-related incident while deployed in the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility, a spokesperson for the U.S. Navy said. CENTCOM's area of responsibility "stretches from Northeast Africa across the Middle East to Central and South Asia," according to defense officials.  Chester city police said McCracken enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1998 and joined the department in 2017. …
Man With Mental Health Diagnoses Missing Over Week, Harrisburg Police Say Man With Mental Health Diagnoses Missing Over Week, Harrisburg Police Say
Man With Mental Health Diagnoses Missing Over Week, Harrisburg Police Say A man with a mental health diagnoses has been missing for over a week, the Harrisburg police announced on May 13.  A 34-year-old Black man, Jordan Brown, was first reported as missing to the Harrisburg Bureau of Police on Monday, May 6.  He was last seen wearing dark pants, a dark-colored polo shirt, and white shoes and walking towards Division Street from North 4th Street, the police explained.   He is described as being approximately 5'7" with a medium build, brown eyes, and short black hair. "Brown has mental health diagnoses," the police said.  …
Rowdy Teens Cause Carnival Cancellation In Chester County: Police (VIDEO) Rowdy Teens Cause Carnival Cancellation In Chester County: Police (VIDEO)
Rowdy Teens Cause Carnival Cancellation In Chester County: Police (Video) The Exton Square Mall Carnival was canceled after an "unruly crowd of juveniles" prompted a police response over the weekend, authorities say.  Multiple police departments were called to the fair on Saturday night, May 11, said West Whiteland police.  "A large number of juveniles created a disturbance, which created an unsafe environment for those attempting to enjoy this annual event," police said. Video from the fair showed one person being punched and kicked by at least two others.  The West Whiteland Township Police Department is investigating an assault that occurre…
Punxsutawney Phil's Twins Names Revealed On Mother's Day Punxsutawney Phil's Twins Names Revealed On Mother's Day
Punxsutawney Phil's Twins Names Revealed On Mother's Day Punxsutawney Phil and his mate, Phyllis, have been parents since the end of March but on Mother's Day, the twins' names were finally revealed by the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club. "The first family of groundhogs" announced the pups' name via the club vice president reading a scroll: “Here ye, hear ye, hear ye. Now, on this 12th day of May in the town of Punxsy Phil, the news is not about the weather, spring air or winter’s chill. No. Today the first family of groundhogs has grown. Punxsutawney Phil and wife, Phyllis, have two kits of their own. Born to royalty — a boy and a girl. Names have b…
PA Man Who Sold Pound Of Meth Sentenced To 14+ Years In Federal Prison: USDOJ PA Man Who Sold Pound Of Meth Sentenced To 14+ Years In Federal Prison: USDOJ
PA Man Who Sold Pound Of Meth Sentenced To 14+ Years In Federal Prison: Usdoj A Philadelphia man was sentenced to over a decade in prison this week for selling methamphetamines, federal prosecutors say.  Sean Christopher Adams received a 175-month sentence, or more than 14.5 years, said the US Attorney's Office for the Northern District of West Virginia.  Authorities said they learned from a "cooperating individual" that Adams was selling meth and instructed the information to set up a purchase. Adams was arrested in a Buckhannon after investigators said they watched him sell the informant the drugs.  Officials seized $14,000 cash and a one-pound…
Arrested Made For Deadly Shooting Inside Central PA Grocery Store (UPDATE) Arrested Made For Deadly Shooting Inside Central PA Grocery Store (UPDATE)
Jerome Coleman Jr. Charged With Killing Christian Watts The man who is accused of shooting someone dead inside a popular grocery store in Harrisburg has been arrested, the city police announced on Friday afternoon.  Jerome Coleman Jr., 32 of Harrisburg, is accused of fatally shooting Christian Watts, 27 also of Harrisburg, inside Antonio Grocery on the 2200 block of North Sixth Street at Woodbine Street just before 2:20 p.m. on May 3, according to the police release on May 10 and an earlier release by the Dauphin County Coroner's Office on Monday, May 5.  A deputy coroner was called to the scene and police had taped off the area a…
GOT HER! PA Mom, Accused Child Rapist, Arrested On Incest Charges: DA GOT HER! PA Mom, Accused Child Rapist, Arrested On Incest Charges: DA
GOT HER! PA Mom, Accused Child Rapist, Arrested On Incest Charges: DA A registered sex offender is back behind bars after allegedly threatening his grandchildren with a gun. His daughter — who is also accused of incest with her children — who was at large for weeks was arrested on May 8, according to court documents obtained by Daily Voice and an updated release by the Lancaster County District Attorney's Office on Friday, May 10. The warrant for the arrest of Sarah Lee Miller, also known as Sara Souder, was announced on her 35th birthday, May 8, court records show. Her last known address was in Nanticoke, Luzerne County. She was taken into cust…
Penn State Coach's Harassment Made Maryland Majorette Suicidal: Complaint Penn State Coach's Harassment Made Maryland Majorette Suicidal: Complaint
Ex-Blue Band Marjorette, Kaitlyn Wassel's Lawsuit Advances Penn State is required to respond to a former Blue Band Majorette's lawsuit within 14 days, a federal judge ruled on May 7, 2024, according to court documents obtained by Daily Voice.  Kaitlyn Wassel, of Hagerstown, Maryland developed a "passion for twirling" during a "free 8-week trial clinic in her hometown," as stated in the complaint filed in Dec. 2023.  When the clinic ended, she joined the local twirling club, quickly advancing to a national competition team, her lawyer explained on her and her family's behalf in the background portion of the case documen…
PA Pair Arrested For Chasing, 'Pistol Whipping' Juvenile Victim: Police PA Pair Arrested For Chasing, 'Pistol Whipping' Juvenile Victim: Police
PA Pair Arrested For Chasing, 'Pistol Whipping' Juvenile Victim: Police Two men are in custody in connection with a December incident in which police said they chased down and attacked a juvenile victim in Linwood.  Brian Sheaffer, 63, and Robert Gannon, 21, were arrested in felony assault warrants after a "high-risk" traffic stop in Linwood early Wednesday morning, May 8, said Lower Chichester police in a release.  Authorities said they were called to the 300 block of Melling Avenue last Dec. 29 to find a juvenile victim who had been "pistol whipped" and was "bleeding profusely" from the head.  Video evidence showed Sheaffer and Gannon followed…
PA Mom Fatally Hits Toddler Daughter With Car: Police (UPDATED) PA Mom Fatally Hits Toddler Daughter With Car: Police (UPDATED)
PA Mom Fatally Hits Toddler Daughter With Car: Police (Updated) A  woman fatally struck her daughter with her car in Philadelphia's Crescentville neighborhood on Wednesday evening, May 8, the police told Daily Voice.   The 31-year-old woman was driving a Chevrolet Traverse when she struck the 2-year-old girl in the 200 block of Comly Street around 5:30 p.m., PPD explained.   The toddler was taken to Einstein Hospital in critical condition and later died, according to police.  An investigation into this deadly incident is ongoing. Check back here for possible updates. 
Man ID'd After Lawn Mower Crushes Him, New Details: Lancaster Coroner Man ID'd After Lawn Mower Crushes Him, New Details: Lancaster Coroner
Man ID'd After Lawn Mower Crushes Him, New Details: Lancaster Coroner A 72-year-old man who died at the scene of a lawn mower incident has been identified and new details about the  incident have been released by the Lancaster County Coroner's Office on Thursday, May 9. Arthur Best was found by first responders trapped under his lawn mower at his home in the in the 1920 block of Orveille Road in East Hempfield Township, Lancaster around 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8, Chief Deputy Coroner Eric Bieber detailed in the release.  When a coroner arrived at the scene at 1:13 p.m. the mower had been removed, but Best had been pronounced dead three minutes…
2 Central PA Men Indicted For Gun, Drug Trafficking: USDOJ 2 Central PA Men Indicted For Gun, Drug Trafficking: USDOJ
2 Central PA Men Indicted For Gun, Drug Trafficking: Usdoj Two Cumberland County men have been indicted on drug and gun trafficking charges, the Middlesex Township Police Department on Tuesday, May 7.  William L. Nalley Jr., 27 of Boiling Springs; and Rafael Orihuela, 22 of Carlisle, were indicted by a federal grand jury "on charges related to the distribution of controlled substances and unlawful possession of firearms," the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced on Wednesday, May 1.  United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam explained the following about the case: "The indictment alleges tha…
Officials Name Hiker Found Dead On Appalachian Trail In PA Officials Name Hiker Found Dead On Appalachian Trail In PA
Officials Name Hiker Found Dead On Appalachian Trail In PA Authorities have identified the man found dead in Lehigh Township over the weekend.  Raghu Kodali, 61, of Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, was discovered in a wooded area near the Appalachian Trail, the Northampton County Coroner's Office said.  His cause and manner of death are pending further investigation, officials added. 
Mom Of 3 Crushed To Death By Construction Drum Outside PA Hospital Mom Of 3 Crushed To Death By Construction Drum Outside PA Hospital
Aleia Lopez Killed By Construction Drum Near Upmc Hospital A hospital worker and mom of three was struck dead by construction equipment on Friday morning, police announced over the weekend.  Aleia Carmelita Lopez, 51 of Pittsburgh Northside was struck and injured in the head while walking with co-workers from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's Western Psychiatric Hospital on May 3, 2024, according to the police.  Pittsburgh Police and EMS were called to the "construction accident" with a report of a "female with a head injury near the Petersen Events Center" in the 3700 block of Terrace Street in Oakland at 10:40 a.m.  Me…
Autopsy Scheduled For Infant Found 'Unresponsive' In Central PA Apartment Autopsy Scheduled For Infant Found 'Unresponsive' In Central PA Apartment
Unresponsive Baby Found In Manor Hall Dies The baby who was found "unresponsive" in a Harrisburg apartment has died, officials told Daily Voice Friday. The unidentified infant was first discovered to be unresponsive in a Hall Manor apartment around 7 p.m. on May 2, according to officials.  Life-saving measures were used before the baby was taken to UPMC Harrisburg, where they later passed, officials explained.  The cause and manner of death are pending the result of an autopsy which has been scheduled for Tuesday, May 7. No charges have been filed in connection with this baby's death as of 6 p.m. on Friday.  Check …
Missing Woman Possibly Killed In Central PA, Police Say Missing Woman Possibly Killed In Central PA, Police Say
Homicide Investigation: Tracy Scanlon Killed In Harrisburg A woman has been missing for nearly three months and authorities believe she could have been killed in the Harrisburg area, according to an updated release on Friday, May 3.  Tracy Scanlon, also known as Tracy Zalenski, 54 of the Pittsburgh area, was first reported missing to the Millvale Police Department. "All information from family and friends places her in the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania area," Susquehanna Township Police said in a release on March 19. The updated release provided more details about where she was in Harrisburg: "There has been no contact with Tracy's family or frie…
Firefighter, Navy Veteran Gets Jail Time For Multiple PA Arsons: DA Firefighter, Navy Veteran Gets Jail Time For Multiple PA Arsons: DA
Firefighter, Navy Veteran Gets Jail Time For Multiple PA Arsons: DA A US Navy Veteran and now-former firefighter has been sentenced for starting four fires, Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole W. Ziccarelli announced on May 1.  Andrew Bischof, 21 of Arnold, pleaded guilty to all arson charges, including aggravated arson, risking catastrophe, and criminal trespassing on Wednesday, court records show.  He admitted to intentionally setting four separate fires in Arnold and New Kensington in Sept. and Oct. 2023.  Posted by From The Scene Photography on Monday, October 2, 2023 Posted by From The Scene Photography on Satur…
Ex-Central PA Food Bank Employee Who Killed Neighbor's Dog Sentenced: DA Ex-Central PA Food Bank Employee Who Killed Neighbor's Dog Sentenced: DA
Ex-Central PA Food Bank Employee Who Killed Neighbor's Dog Sentenced: DA A woman, who according to her social media was a SNAP Outreach Coordinator for the Central PA Food Bank at the time of her crimes, has pleaded guilty and been sentenced "for assaulting her neighbor and killing the neighbor’s five-month-old Chihuahua," the Lancaster County District Attorney's Office said in a release on Wednesday, May 1.  Loyna Dejesus-Osorio, also known as Loyna De Jesus, was sentenced to seven years of probation for the assault and puppycide which took place in the 100 block of Old Dorwart Street in Lancaster on Sept. 25, 2022, as detailed by the DA.  The 53-year…
PA Woman Pleads Guilty To Delivering Deadly Dose Of Fentanyl: Prosecutors PA Woman Pleads Guilty To Delivering Deadly Dose Of Fentanyl: Prosecutors
PA Woman Pleads Guilty To Delivering Deadly Dose Of Fentanyl: Prosecutors A Harleysville woman was convicted of bringing a 56-year-old the dose of fentanyl that killed them nearly two years ago.  Valerie Benatti, 29, pleaded guilty to drug delivery resulting in death on Wednesday, May 1, according to the Lancaster County District Attorney's Office.  Authorities said they were called to a home on the 100 block of Slackwater Road in Conestoga Township for a suspected overdose on Aug. 20, 2022. An autopsy later revealed the victim died from acute fentanyl toxicity, the DA's Office said.  Witnesses later told police that Benatti pr…
Philly Man Attempted Murder-For-Hire Plot, Illegally Bought Guns: AG Philly Man Attempted Murder-For-Hire Plot, Illegally Bought Guns: AG
Philly Man Attempted Murder-For-Hire Plot, Illegally Bought Guns: AG A Philadelphia man is accused of straw purchasing dozens of guns and paying one alleged customer to commit murder.  Richard Taylor, 37, is being held in lieu of a $5 million bail, according to the state Attorney General's Office.  Authorities said Taylor bought at least 31 guns and transferred them illegally to other people. He "told individuals he could get them as many firearms as they wanted because he did not have a criminal record," prosecutors said.  Twelve of those firearms have been recovered by police on Philadelphia streets, nine were seized during arrests, and 14 …
Bull Attack Kills Farmer, US Army Veteran: Officials Bull Attack Kills Farmer, US Army Veteran: Officials
Army Veteran Richard “Rick” David Joy Killed By Bull In PA A 52-year-old Pennsylvania man has been killed in a bull attack on his farm, authorities said on April 30. Richard “Rick” David Joy of Scrubgrass Road, Jackson Center died from his injuries from the bull attack on April 23, according to the Mercer County Coroner's office. Rick was doing routine work in his pasture when his bull became aggressive and attacked him around 11 p.m. on Tuesday, as explained by the Pennsylvania State Police. Rick was born in Pittsburgh and raised in Ohio, according to his obituary. "He graduated from David Anderson High School in Columbiana, Ohio, and joine…
Coroner Called To Electrocution In Central PA (DEVELOPING) Coroner Called To Electrocution In Central PA (DEVELOPING)
Coroner Called To Electrocution In Central PA (Developing) A deadly electrocution happened in Lebanon County on Wednesday afternoon, according to the Lebanon County Department of Emergency Services.  The call to the electrocution in the 500 block of Hemlock Lane in Cornwall Borough, Lebanon, came into LCDES at 2 p.m. on May 1, dispatchers explained.  A coroner was called to the scene just before 2:30 p.m. Additional information was not immediately available.  Check back here for updates. 
Community Rallies For PA 3-Year-Old Hit By Truck Community Rallies For PA 3-Year-Old Hit By Truck
Community Rallies For PA 3-Year-Old Hit By Truck A week after he was struck by a box truck in Palmerton, loved ones say 3-year-old Bradley Beil's neighbors are rallying for his recovery.  In a GoFundMe set up to help with care costs, neighbors and friends have raised over $14,000 on behalf of Bradley and his parents, Brandy Norris and Kody Beil.  Fundraiser organizer and Bradley's aunt Danielle Norris said he is at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia where loved ones are keeping him company.  "Family has been reading stories to Brad, talking to him, and 'watching' his favorite movies and TV. We are also calling to…
3 PA Kids— Including 5-Year-Old —Raped By Federally Convicted Pornographer: DA 3 PA Kids— Including 5-Year-Old —Raped By Federally Convicted Pornographer: DA
3 PA Kids— Including 5-Year-Old —Raped By Federally Convicted Pornographer: DA A York man — already in federal prison for child pornography charges — was convicted of child abuse in Lititz in less than 25 minutes, the Lancaster County District Attorney's office announced on Wednesday, May 1. George Wakeley, 62 of the 3400 block of Bull Road in York, was found guilty of 17 child abuse offenses on March 18, 2024, the DA's office detailed in the release. One of the children told the Northern Lancaster County Regional Police about the abuse in 2018 "before an extensive investigation resulted in charges being filed on November 21, 2022," as stated in the release. During t…
PA Sextortionist Sentenced After Swindling $150K From Victim: USDOJ PA Sextortionist Sentenced After Swindling $150K From Victim: USDOJ
PA Sextortionist Sentenced After Swindling $150K From Victim: Usdoj A Lebanon man has admitted to sextorting someone out of $150,000, according to a release by the US Department of Justice on Tuesday, April 30. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that 35-year-old John Anthony Zayas was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment by U.S. District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo on Wednesday, April 24.  Zayas previously pleaded guilty to "extortion by interstate communication" as stated in the release. In the fall of 2022, he had threatened to "publicize intimate photos and images of the victim" if they did not…
Federal Inmate In Schuylkill County Pleads Guilty To Assaulting Officer: USDOJ Federal Inmate In Schuylkill County Pleads Guilty To Assaulting Officer: USDOJ
Federal Inmate In Schuylkill County Pleads Guilty To Assaulting Officer: Usdoj A federal inmate in Schuylkill County pleaded guilty to attacking a correctional officer on Monday, April 29, according to prosecutors.  The US Attorney's Office said Carlos Rodriguez-Cruz, 33, punched a guard at FCI Schuylkill in Minersville last Oct. 6.  According to authorities, the guard found a homemade knife or "shank" during a search of Rodriguez-Cruz's cell.  Rodriguez-Cruz, formerly of Puerto Rico, faces up to eight years of imprisonment, supervised release, and a fine.  The guilty plea comes just a week after another FCI Schuylkill inmate pleaded guilty …
Woman Struck Dead In Hit-Run: South Lebanon Township Police (UPDATE) Woman Struck Dead In Hit-Run: South Lebanon Township Police (UPDATE)
Woman Struck Dead In Hit-Run: South Lebanon Township Police (Update) A 77-year-old woman has died following a strike by a vehicle that fled the scene in Lebanon County, authorities said on Tuesday.  The woman was struck on Eastfield Drive in South Lebanon Township at 7:37 a.m. on Apri 30, according to the Lebanon County Department of Emergency Services.  The South Lebanon Township Police explained that they arrived at the scene to find the woman dead and the car had fled. A coroner was called to the scene shortly after 10 a.m., LCDES explained.  The woman has only been identified as living in a "neighboring housing development." Her nam…
Veteran, PA Business Owner ID'd As Motorcyclist Killed In Crash: Coroner Veteran, PA Business Owner ID'd As Motorcyclist Killed In Crash: Coroner
Veteran, PA Business Owner ID'd As Motorcyclist Killed In Crash: Coroner A motorcyclist has been identified as a veteran and Gettysburg business owner, after his name was released by the York County Coroner's Office on Monday evening. Tim Rymer, 60 of the first block of White Oak Lane in Newberry Township, died at the scene of the crash at Old York and Blair Hollow roads in Carroll Township at 5:48 p.m. on Sunday, April 28, according to Coroner Pam Gay.  Around 5:17 p.m., he had been traveling south on Old York Road when he struck a large piece of wood in the roadway, lost control, so the bike "went down" on its right side and Tim struck his head on the road — "…
77-Year-Old Dies Weeks After Schuylkill County Fire: Coroner 77-Year-Old Dies Weeks After Schuylkill County Fire: Coroner
77-Year-Old Dies Weeks After Schuylkill County Fire: Coroner A man rescued from a house fire in Minersville has died from his injuries, the Lehigh County Coroner's Office said in a release.  Mario Ramirez, 77, suffered burns across more than a third of his body in the North 2nd Street blaze on April 14, officials said.  He died from complications at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest on Sunday, April 28, according to the Coroner's Office. The manner of death was accidental.  In addition to the Coroner's Office, Minersville police are investigating. 
Charming Life Ends In Horror For PA Family At Center Of Double Murder Charming Life Ends In Horror For PA Family At Center Of Double Murder
Charming Life Ends In Horror For PA Family At Center Of Double Murder What started as a dispute over dinner ended in horror for one Pennsylvania family, who appeared to lead an otherwise charming life on social media. Roger Lee Hanks has been charged with two counts of felony homicide and other murder charges after killing his wife, Judith, 75, and daughter, Emily, 37, over a "basic dispute" at the dinner table on Thursday, April 25, as previously reported by Daily Voice. Judith's Instagram page portrays a very different life from the events that unfolded in their East Marlborough Township home on Thursday evening, April 25. With lipstick on her lips or a gl…
Remains ID'd As 24-Year-Old Woman Missing From PA Home Over 18 Months Remains ID'd As 24-Year-Old Woman Missing From PA Home Over 18 Months
Rikiah Griffie Found Dead 18 Months After Disappearance Remains found in an abandoned home have been identified as a missing 24-year-old woman, authorities told Daily Voice on Friday, April 26.  The remains found in an abandoned building in the 100 block of Fifith Avenue in Aliquippa on April 18 have been identified Rikiah Mahrquis Griffie, officials confirmed to Daily Voice. Ronda Duke dropped her sister Rikiah off at her boyfriend's house on Oct. 7, 2022, she was last heard from Oct. 11, and was officially reported missing on Oct. 21, according to numerous missing persons reports.  An anonymous tip led the Pennsylvania State Po…