CRIME & SAFETY
Gun believed to be used in killing of Westmoreland County woman found in lake
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — A dive team recovered a gun that investigators believe was used in the killing of a Westmoreland County woman last year. The Murrysville Medic One Dive Team pulled a pistol from the bottom of Donegal Lake on Friday. The Westmoreland County District Attorney's Office said the gun may be connected to the killing of 71-year-old Alice Robson."After about an hour of searching a weapon was recovered. Great job to everyone that was on location," Murrysville Medic One Dive Team posted to Facebook. In December 2023, Matthew Bates, Robert Jack and Melissa Beacom were charged in Robson's death. Her body was found in a crawl space under the back porch of her home in St. Clair Township. An autopsy found that she had been shot twice in the head. Beacom, Robson's daughter, asked Bates on several occasions to kill Robson for her, investigators said. Robson's body was found in the crawl space covered by debris. Bates told investigators that Beacom did not have the best relationship with Robson due to issues related to custody of Robson's grandson.
Driver in fatal crash intended to sell drugs found in car, prosecutors claim
A Sewickley Township woman told investigators two days after she was involved in a fatal crash that she intended to sell the drugs that investigators found in her car’s center console. “Oh, wow. There was a lot of stuff in that car,” Ahna L. Malik said in a recorded...
Coroner called to scene of lawnmower accident in East Hempfield Twp.
LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHP) — The coroner was called to the scene of an accident Wednesday after a man became trapped underneath a lawnmower in East Hempfield Township. According to emergency dispatch, the call came in at around 12:31 p.m. for an incident on Oreville Rd. Crews were on...
Jeannette looks to crack down on 'very egregious' crosswalk violations near Elliott Group
Jeannette police are looking for ways to continue enforcement near Elliott Group after officers saw drivers commit 18 violations near crosswalks in a four-hour period Thursday, according to police Chief Derek Manley. Officers watched traffic near crosswalks on Claridge-Elliott Road during morning and afternoon shift changes at the facility. They...
Sewickley Township woman convicted in fatal head-on Arona Road crash
Dawn Coyne’s two daughters embraced outside of a Westmoreland County courtroom Thursday after the woman police said caused the crash that resulted their mother’s death was convicted of vehicular homicide and 16 other charges. Ahna L. Malik, 44, of Sewickley Township was handcuffed and taken to prison to...
Westmoreland home damaged in fire
Crews fought a house fire in the 100 block of Lentz Road in Westmoreland. According to Westmoreland County 911, the call came in around 3:45 a.m. for a report of a house fire. The home was occupied but there is no word on injuries at this time. The fire has been put out with some damage to the back. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
Letter to the editor: Time for Hempfield to get its own police force
I’m curious about Hempfield Township’s decision to secure a state grant to demolish an unused state penitentiary for $3.5 million (“Demolition plans advancing for former state prison,” May 6, TribLive). Wouldn’t that money go a lot further in securing their own police force in order for our Pennsylvania State Police to patrol less well-to-do neighborhoods?
Pittsburgh-area business owner speaks out after his store was robbed
NORTH VERSAILLES, PA. (KDKA) - A business owner is speaking out after he said a group of teenagers robbed his store in North Versailles.The robbery happened at Endless Vapor and CBD off Route 30 on Tuesday. Surveillance video shows one of the teens walking into the store first, appearing to try to distract the owner."I think they planned it out, and his intent was to get me to the far side of the counter. Unfortunately, the phone was all the way over there as well, like on the far side. That was the black object on the counter that I...
Consecutive life sentences for Pa. nurse who killed patients
Harrisburg, Pa. – A nurse will spend the rest of her life in prison, without the possibility of parole, for intentionally administering lethal doses of insulin to patients at numerous skilled nursing facilities. Heather Pressdee, of Natrona Heights, pleaded guilty to three counts of first-degree murder, and 19 counts of criminal attempt to commit murder, according to Attorney General Michelle Henry. The guilty pleas regard Pressdee administering lethal and potentially...
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments. It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. We strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation. Join us in shaping the news narrative together.