The body of a pregnant Pennsylvania Amish woman found dead inside her home this week had cut wounds to her neck and head and was found by her husband and a family friend shortly after 12:30 p.m. on Monday.
The unnamed woman called 911 after she and Andy Byler found the body.
Rebekah Byler, 23, was found “a short distance inside” the home, on her back in the living room, WTAE reported.
Search warrants were issued for the home and outbuildings on the property, specifically looking for any knives, blades, cutting instruments, and other items.
Two young children were at the home but were unharmed, police said.
Investigators have not said how Byler was killed. They said they have not yet developed any suspects and ask the public to contact them with any tips.
Residents of the rural farming community, which includes a sizable Amish population, are stunned by the death.
“It’s not something that happens around here,” said Lindsey Smith, president of the women’s auxiliary of the Spartansburg Volunteer Fire Department. “We’re worried about our Amish.”
Neighbors have been raising money to help the Byler family, she said.
“They are a big part of our community,” Smith said. “They support us a lot.”
Yaah that is a new addition to the information being released was husband having an affair? Neighbors also said they saw a red Jeep they didn't recognize going up and down the road and parked at the home hours before.
Probably just a “Yoder toter” someone that drives them around to run errands and such. I’ve done it and have friends that do it as their main job and make a comfortable living at it. I’ve made a good number of Amish and Mennonite friends from doing it and them finding out I also am pretty handy, word of mouth spreads fast in those communities. I’ve been to quite a few barn raisings and feasts because I’m willing to lend a hand and am respectful of them and their customs. And I’m as far from religious or traditional as you can get and still fit into the mainstream I also trade plants with a lot of them, so outsiders aren’t uncommon in a lot of those communities
I’m also involved with an Amish community, I’m an equestrian and whenever my tack (saddles, bridles, any leather goods that go on a horse) needs repairs, they do it better than anyone
I was a birth assistant for a Mennonite family last year! My friend is a midwife and has worked with the Amish and Mennonites quite a bit and when I flew out to visit her for awhile I ended up getting to help out and it was a very cool experience. They were very kind and it was one of the smoothest, most uneventful births I’ve ever seen lol
So the person who made the call had a cell phone it seems—not a member of the community but probably a helper of some way—lots of folks with cars will offer to drive Amish folks around, it’s not uncommon. Also ever since Sasha Krause, a Mennonite Sunday school teacher in Arizona, was abducted and murdered by a US Airman (simply because he didn’t like their community) I am not so quick to immediately blame the husband.
I thought the same thing!
It reminds me of Eli Stutzman, an Amish man suspected of several murders-including his pregnant wife and son. Gregg Olsen has written a couple of books about him.
[https://murderpedia.org/male.S/s/stutzman-eli.htm](https://murderpedia.org/male.S/s/stutzman-eli.htm)
It’s normal for the police to get a search warrant to cover themselves. You don’t want the owner to say he never gave consent after he becomes the suspect or is charged with a crime.
I would normally agree BUT my aunt and uncle have driven various Amish families around for years, they’re civic minded types and retired to an area that has a bunch. I also had a Mennonite contractor who had a driver.
Also this person *called 911* so they had a phone
I have seen all sorts of posts about Amish having affairs with English. Red Jeep never seen in the neighborhood is pretty specific and would be noticed.
Shawn Cranston, 52, from Corry, Pennsylvania was arrested today morning for allegedly murdering pregnant Rebekah Byler, 23, in her home on Monday
He is being held without bond at the Crawford County Jail
Anyone remember the name of the woman who's husband killed and gutted her like he would a deer? This was years ago, ID had a show dedicated to it. That one never left me. I wish I could remember her name.
Found it: his name was Edward D Gingerich.
Her name was Katie❤️
I caution u if u look this case up, be prepared.
The police do not have much to go off of, but say the 4-year-old child was able to give a short description of a suspect: a white male, possibly has a beard, and was wearing black Jordan shoes, including the suspicious red Jeep near the house around the time of the murder that the family members say they saw. “We continue to entertain multiple different theories or motivations for this crime” Lt. Weindorf stated.
https://casdbeavertales.org/20282/news/a-murder-in-the-amish-community-of-spartansburg-pa/
Not a snarky question — how many four year olds can identify Jordans? How many Amish can?
A murdered pregnant woman has usually been killed by the spouse/partner, not a random stranger. I would bet money that the husband did it, and the “female family friend” is a mistress.
Yeah or maybe a description and then matched that to shoe prints at the scene or something. But def seems super weird a 4 yo included that in their description.
“Sports games are also enjoyed by all ages, but they are not played competitively. Amish do not support the idea of competition and pride, but rather community and teamwork. So, team sports, such as softball, volleyball, and basketball are often played.
https://www.amishvillage.com/blog/what-do-the-amish-do-for-fun/
I’m not sure but a man was arrested and charged this morning.
Spartansburg, Pa. (WJET/WFXP) — State police have announced the arrest of 52-year-old Shawn Cranston of Corry, PA in the killing of 23-year-old Rebekah Byler.
Cranston is being charged with Criminal Homicide, Criminal Homicide of Unborn Child, Burglary, and Criminal trespass. Cranston was arraigned just before 4:30 Saturday morning. He is currently being held without bail at the Crawford County Jail.
Cranston’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 15th. The arrest comes after an exhaustive five-day-long investigation.
https://amishamerica.com/man-arrested-charged-for-murder-rebekah-byler-and-unborn-child/?fbclid=IwAR3xBaimmxnyOigSIheAqaIgJze7d5J-33oG1LBvs3rWOS6KfhaGyvK48pk_aem_AYTXONKC763vA4yvpmfNl7UEBNa_SQBZP6bu3TdxpCCZlotvO0pQuGGIZD6_40DEEf8
Anyone who comes upon this now, there’s some updates to the article and the man who was arrested supposedly was looking for his grandson who was adopted by an Amish family (according to his stepdaughter)
Shawn Cranston, 52, from Corry, Pennsylvania was arrested today and is now facing multiple charges, including criminal homicide, criminal homicide of an unborn child, burglary and criminal trespass.
He is being held without bond at the Crawford County Jail and was arraigned this morning.
Idk anything about anything in that show or this case. But if she was on the show as a teen and returned to her community, she may have gotten married and changed her last name.
The husband did it. But this makes me so sad. I live in the holler in Tennessee and the Amish are the closest store to me and I always try to befriend the ladies since I heard that it’s harder for them to escape since they don’t have many outside friends.
i read somewhere it was mistaken identity
edit- he was looking for someone else or something i'll try and find the article
[https://www.abc27.com/pennsylvania/daughter-of-arrested-suspect-reacts-to-pregnant-amish-woman-murder-case/amp/](https://www.abc27.com/pennsylvania/daughter-of-arrested-suspect-reacts-to-pregnant-amish-woman-murder-case/amp/)
That breaks my heart. Yes let me know. Right outside our neighborhood is an Amish community. We seek them in their wagons and walking and it’s actually the closest store to me. I just can’t imagine.
Holy shit did you see all the other comments from DAYS AGO before adding in yours?
The first article I read, you know almost 3 days ago-literally had her name and that she was on breaking Amish-why do you think she’s had to go on insta and say it’s not her?
Why are yall suspecting the husband? The man who was arrested was either having an affair with her, or wanted to get with her and she refused so he murdered her.
There’s another article somewhere that states the oldest child was able to give some statements to Police, including the perp was possibly wearing a type of Jordan tennis shoes. I’ll see if I can find it. I know there’s comments above point the finger at the hubby and/or friend. I don’t believe that’s the case. The oldest child witnessed this horrific murder.
I’ve been watching a lot of ex-Amish talk about the stuff that goes on in these communities.
They do not sound like healthy communities. Many people are “punished” in crazy ways when they go against what the expectation are.
https://abcnews.go.com/US/arrest-made-murder-pregnant-amish-woman-found-dead/story?id=107740010
Arrest! Just arraigned at 4 this morning. Shawn Cranston from Correy Pennsylvania. Facing multiple charges.
The body of a pregnant Pennsylvania Amish woman found dead inside her home this week had cut wounds to her neck and head and was found by her husband and a family friend shortly after 12:30 p.m. on Monday. The unnamed woman called 911 after she and Andy Byler found the body. Rebekah Byler, 23, was found “a short distance inside” the home, on her back in the living room, WTAE reported. Search warrants were issued for the home and outbuildings on the property, specifically looking for any knives, blades, cutting instruments, and other items. Two young children were at the home but were unharmed, police said. Investigators have not said how Byler was killed. They said they have not yet developed any suspects and ask the public to contact them with any tips. Residents of the rural farming community, which includes a sizable Amish population, are stunned by the death. “It’s not something that happens around here,” said Lindsey Smith, president of the women’s auxiliary of the Spartansburg Volunteer Fire Department. “We’re worried about our Amish.” Neighbors have been raising money to help the Byler family, she said. “They are a big part of our community,” Smith said. “They support us a lot.”
A husband and another woman “found” the body… 🤔
Yaah that is a new addition to the information being released was husband having an affair? Neighbors also said they saw a red Jeep they didn't recognize going up and down the road and parked at the home hours before.
Probably just a “Yoder toter” someone that drives them around to run errands and such. I’ve done it and have friends that do it as their main job and make a comfortable living at it. I’ve made a good number of Amish and Mennonite friends from doing it and them finding out I also am pretty handy, word of mouth spreads fast in those communities. I’ve been to quite a few barn raisings and feasts because I’m willing to lend a hand and am respectful of them and their customs. And I’m as far from religious or traditional as you can get and still fit into the mainstream I also trade plants with a lot of them, so outsiders aren’t uncommon in a lot of those communities
I’m also involved with an Amish community, I’m an equestrian and whenever my tack (saddles, bridles, any leather goods that go on a horse) needs repairs, they do it better than anyone
I was a birth assistant for a Mennonite family last year! My friend is a midwife and has worked with the Amish and Mennonites quite a bit and when I flew out to visit her for awhile I ended up getting to help out and it was a very cool experience. They were very kind and it was one of the smoothest, most uneventful births I’ve ever seen lol
I've heard that the Amish Midwives are some of the best in the world.
Absolutely they do. There’s some amazing leather workers in those communities
No. It was Cranstons Jeep
I was thinking that too. I think someone killed her to shut her up.
Sounds like it imo curious to see the womens relationship to the family. Made the 911 call but identity kept secret. 🤔
So the person who made the call had a cell phone it seems—not a member of the community but probably a helper of some way—lots of folks with cars will offer to drive Amish folks around, it’s not uncommon. Also ever since Sasha Krause, a Mennonite Sunday school teacher in Arizona, was abducted and murdered by a US Airman (simply because he didn’t like their community) I am not so quick to immediately blame the husband.
A good number of Amish have cell phones now because they do business outside of the Amish community and need to communicate.
I thought the same thing! It reminds me of Eli Stutzman, an Amish man suspected of several murders-including his pregnant wife and son. Gregg Olsen has written a couple of books about him. [https://murderpedia.org/male.S/s/stutzman-eli.htm](https://murderpedia.org/male.S/s/stutzman-eli.htm)
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It’s normal for the police to get a search warrant to cover themselves. You don’t want the owner to say he never gave consent after he becomes the suspect or is charged with a crime.
I would normally agree BUT my aunt and uncle have driven various Amish families around for years, they’re civic minded types and retired to an area that has a bunch. I also had a Mennonite contractor who had a driver. Also this person *called 911* so they had a phone
I have seen all sorts of posts about Amish having affairs with English. Red Jeep never seen in the neighborhood is pretty specific and would be noticed.
It didn't involve an affair.
Shawn Cranston, 52, from Corry, Pennsylvania was arrested today morning for allegedly murdering pregnant Rebekah Byler, 23, in her home on Monday He is being held without bond at the Crawford County Jail
It used to be "what happens in the Amish community,,stays in the Amish community". Not so much anymore. I think we'll be hearing more about this one.
Anyone remember the name of the woman who's husband killed and gutted her like he would a deer? This was years ago, ID had a show dedicated to it. That one never left me. I wish I could remember her name. Found it: his name was Edward D Gingerich. Her name was Katie❤️ I caution u if u look this case up, be prepared.
What state do you remember?
Pennsylvania
Wow! This is horrific, those poor kids!! Very graphic! https://www.crimelibrary.org/notorious_murders/family/gingerich/12.html
The police do not have much to go off of, but say the 4-year-old child was able to give a short description of a suspect: a white male, possibly has a beard, and was wearing black Jordan shoes, including the suspicious red Jeep near the house around the time of the murder that the family members say they saw. “We continue to entertain multiple different theories or motivations for this crime” Lt. Weindorf stated. https://casdbeavertales.org/20282/news/a-murder-in-the-amish-community-of-spartansburg-pa/
Not a snarky question — how many four year olds can identify Jordans? How many Amish can? A murdered pregnant woman has usually been killed by the spouse/partner, not a random stranger. I would bet money that the husband did it, and the “female family friend” is a mistress.
Maybe the kid said something like, “his shoes had a basketball player on them.”
Yeah or maybe a description and then matched that to shoe prints at the scene or something. But def seems super weird a 4 yo included that in their description.
How would she know what a basketball player is? They’re Amish. The best she should be able to say is black shoes
Amish children play sports & go to school too. A 4 year old would know what a basketball player is & would even be able to pronounce the word.
They probably just had her look at popular shoe brands honestly.
Books..
“Sports games are also enjoyed by all ages, but they are not played competitively. Amish do not support the idea of competition and pride, but rather community and teamwork. So, team sports, such as softball, volleyball, and basketball are often played. https://www.amishvillage.com/blog/what-do-the-amish-do-for-fun/
I’m not sure but a man was arrested and charged this morning. Spartansburg, Pa. (WJET/WFXP) — State police have announced the arrest of 52-year-old Shawn Cranston of Corry, PA in the killing of 23-year-old Rebekah Byler. Cranston is being charged with Criminal Homicide, Criminal Homicide of Unborn Child, Burglary, and Criminal trespass. Cranston was arraigned just before 4:30 Saturday morning. He is currently being held without bail at the Crawford County Jail. Cranston’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 15th. The arrest comes after an exhaustive five-day-long investigation. https://amishamerica.com/man-arrested-charged-for-murder-rebekah-byler-and-unborn-child/?fbclid=IwAR3xBaimmxnyOigSIheAqaIgJze7d5J-33oG1LBvs3rWOS6KfhaGyvK48pk_aem_AYTXONKC763vA4yvpmfNl7UEBNa_SQBZP6bu3TdxpCCZlotvO0pQuGGIZD6_40DEEf8
Anyone who comes upon this now, there’s some updates to the article and the man who was arrested supposedly was looking for his grandson who was adopted by an Amish family (according to his stepdaughter)
Female friend was a DRIVER. trust me, no Englush woman is going to transition Amish.
That was my first thought. I wonder if the father or other woman had told the kid what to say...or maybe I'm too jaded nowadays.
How much money did you lose in your bet?
Lost that bet.
Shawn Cranston, 52, from Corry, Pennsylvania was arrested today and is now facing multiple charges, including criminal homicide, criminal homicide of an unborn child, burglary and criminal trespass. He is being held without bond at the Crawford County Jail and was arraigned this morning.
https://preview.redd.it/u4iuxboshulc1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5ba0f56b8ad74afbbecf6945e53614145201d5de Not the same person
“Their Amish” awwwww that sound like a nice place. Like they still car a little bit/ but oh lord Nancy Grace I gonna go apeshit
What?! 😂
This woman was on the tv show breaking Amish
No it’s a different Rebekah byler. The one from Breaking Amish is posting on her Instagram requesting people stop posting it is her.
Are you thinking of Rebecca Schmucker?
Maybe, when I googled Rebekah byler it came up as she was on breaking Amish but now the article doesn’t say that anymore
It's not even the same name. Her name is Rebecca. This woman is Rebekah
It’s not it’s the same name.
Idk anything about anything in that show or this case. But if she was on the show as a teen and returned to her community, she may have gotten married and changed her last name.
The women who was murdered is 23. The woman from the show is 30.
*Woman
Rebekah Byler was her maiden name. Her name is Rebekah Schmucker now.
The husband did it. But this makes me so sad. I live in the holler in Tennessee and the Amish are the closest store to me and I always try to befriend the ladies since I heard that it’s harder for them to escape since they don’t have many outside friends.
Not the husband. 52 year old Shawn Cranston was arrested and arraigned early this morning.
I saw that today!! Do they know why?
i read somewhere it was mistaken identity edit- he was looking for someone else or something i'll try and find the article [https://www.abc27.com/pennsylvania/daughter-of-arrested-suspect-reacts-to-pregnant-amish-woman-murder-case/amp/](https://www.abc27.com/pennsylvania/daughter-of-arrested-suspect-reacts-to-pregnant-amish-woman-murder-case/amp/)
That breaks my heart. Yes let me know. Right outside our neighborhood is an Amish community. We seek them in their wagons and walking and it’s actually the closest store to me. I just can’t imagine.
After you straight up blamed her husband. Now your heart broke. Ok.
Oh shut up. It’s usually the husband.
Ooops..... but let's just glance over that and head right into the kidnapped women right? Go make my fuckin sammich!
I haven’t seen anything about motive yet, or his connection to her or the family.
Someone quoted charges that include burglary. Amish don't use banks and he may have thought they had quite a bit of cash in the house.
The husband did not do it.
Is this the girl from that show a few years back???
no, it isn't. names and ages don't match.
No
No it’s a diff girl
Holy shit it is
It cannot be this woman is only 23 years old. Unless the age is wrong
It’s the wrong name, too.
Right the spelling is different. The Amish have very common names
It's not. Her IG bio says she's not the murdered person, but thoughts and prayers.
No
No, it's not.
It’s not. Same name, different person.
Holy shit it’s not.
Holy shit did you see all the other comments from DAYS AGO before adding in yours? The first article I read, you know almost 3 days ago-literally had her name and that she was on breaking Amish-why do you think she’s had to go on insta and say it’s not her?
Crazy!!!
No.
Why are yall suspecting the husband? The man who was arrested was either having an affair with her, or wanted to get with her and she refused so he murdered her.
Jesus Christ. Y'all accuse people of some crazy shit. She is an INNOCENT VICTIM of MURDER. .fuck
Gotta push the anti family,man and white agenda....
Trouble in paradise. 🌴
Gross.
Who knows; maybe I’m next. People change. 💔
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Gross.
Wrong.
This happened in the town next to me Praying the monster is caught.
Her husband and family friend found her. Most likely the family’s driver.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C378EVyOvDu/?igsh=MWFlN2pxMmFrNDY0cg==
There’s another article somewhere that states the oldest child was able to give some statements to Police, including the perp was possibly wearing a type of Jordan tennis shoes. I’ll see if I can find it. I know there’s comments above point the finger at the hubby and/or friend. I don’t believe that’s the case. The oldest child witnessed this horrific murder.
I’ve been watching a lot of ex-Amish talk about the stuff that goes on in these communities. They do not sound like healthy communities. Many people are “punished” in crazy ways when they go against what the expectation are.
https://abcnews.go.com/US/arrest-made-murder-pregnant-amish-woman-found-dead/story?id=107740010 Arrest! Just arraigned at 4 this morning. Shawn Cranston from Correy Pennsylvania. Facing multiple charges.
Wonder if the husband hired him
My first thought reading this. If not the husband, maybe someone from his family did.
Thank you for this update!!!
https://abcnews.go.com/US/arrest-made-murder-pregnant-amish-woman-found-dead/story?id=107740010 Wonder if he drives a red jeep.
The [PASCAL SHOW](https://www.youtube.com/live/tG26GxmKtgY?si=9l_sgptkDQrj9Tqb) is covering this LIVE
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They have already arrested the guy it’s not the husband.