2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Harlene Grimes Mayhue filed for divorce from her husband, Frederick, on August 5, 1981. 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. The court ruled that because the contract to kill Mrs. Mayhue was never carried out, that contract could not be used as an aggravator, leaving the case without the circumstances to justify a death sentence under Pennsylvania law. Performance & security by Cloudflare. BEAVER A Beaver Falls man accused of killing 46-year-old Sharon Benyo has received a date to stand trial. In the summer of 1979, he was found guilty and was given two additional life imprisonment terms. Then, I heard the gunshots, and I knew something happened.". Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. 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]. http://www.timesonline.com/coldcase/triska/. It breaks my heart and I feel bad for the family, she said. 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. "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.". ABC News' Janice McDonald contributed to this report. She had been beaten, strangled, and shot in the head. Watch her story now: http://www.timesonline.com/coldcase/bradley/, When George Andersons body was found floating in the Ohio River in April 1983, one thing was immediately clear: this was no accident. The woman said she called state police after she learned Benyo was found dead in Chippewa Township. State . He was convicted of assault and sentenced to 14 months imprisonment at SCI Camp Hill Range in Cumberland County. Pennsylvania State Police have closed four cold case homicide investigations, including two in Beaver County, after a confession from a notorious convicted. Instead of fleeing the scene of his crime, he got drunk, used drugs, and fell asleep in the bedroom. The bodies of Margaret Murdaugh, 52, and Paul Murdaugh, 22, were found dead from multiple gunshot wounds near the dog kennels at the family's estate Moselle in June 2021, authorities said. CENTER TWP. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. In March, Surratt finally confessed to Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) from behind bars in Florida, where hes serving out two life sentences. [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. Last week, Sharon Benyo was found dead in. In todays Cold Case Extra, Beaver Countys Assistant Chief of County Detectives presents Sarah Boehms case to an audience at the Cold Case Symposium at Duquesne University. 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. Click to reveal 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. At trial, the evidence revealed a premeditated, sprawling, and messy effort to kill Harlene Mayhue. [13][14], In late June 1978, Surratt travelled to Florida, stopping in rural Vilano Beach. It was terrible.. After serving less than four years in prison, Surratt was paroled and released in January 1977, after which he returned to Aliquippa. On the eve of the anniversary of her 2003 murder in Beaver Falls, we tell Robin Sue Millers story. Episode 5 of Cold Case Beaver County is online now: Courtney Haswell was only 17 when her mother, Robin Sue Miller, was found dead on Nov. 4, 2003, in Beaver Falls. In 2007, after serving 29 years in prison, Surratt confessed to six murders, but no charges were brought against him . . Aliquippa, Pa. The jury has found Sheldon Jeter, Jr. guilty of first-degree murder in his homicide trial. [15][16], During the course of the investigation, on the basis of material evidence, Edward Surratt was checked for involvement in at least 18 murders, in which the offender had a similar modus operandi to him and the attack in Vilano Beach. His body was recovered from Gavuras property on February 12, 1987. In 1959, he was arrested for disturbing the peace, but escaped with a fine. The defense argued that it would be useful for the jury to visit the 1,772-acre hunting estate in Islandton to get a sense of the space in which the killings took place. All rights reserved (About Us). 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. HARRISBURG, Pa. Investigators with the Pennsylvania State Police said a serial killer has confessed to murders he carried out in Beaver County in 1977 and 1978. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Following this trial, he was extradited to Lexington County, South Carolina, where he was tried for the murder of Langford and the attempted murder of his wife. Copyright 2023 ABC News Internet Ventures. [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. Your access to this service has been limited. On Oct. 4, Johnson is seen leaving his apartment around 4:45 p.m. Minutes later, he picks up Benyo and drives toward Constitution Boulevard northbound. Police also helped identify Benyo after officials found a piece of paper addressed to her at the crime scene. Police later arrested the 68-year-old man who was the last person to see Benyo alive. District attorneys dont plan to prosecute him for the cold cases because of his life sentences, the statement said. Two other parked cars were also hit in the chain reaction. However, he quickly lost interest in studying, and in 1963, he was expelled and returned to his parents' home. The judge has warned them that some things have changed on the property since the crime occurred. Sarratt was convicted of violent crimes in Florida and murder in South Carolina. When George Andersons body was found floating in the Ohio River in April 1983, one thing was immediately clear: this was no accident. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. 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. 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. We tell her story this Monday in a Cold Case extra. 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. PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> 1 fatality reported following 3-vehicle crash in Beaver County. Neighbors like Corrie say speed is always a problem on the road and it was a matter of time before something like this happened. The C- grade means the rate of murder is slightly higher than the average US county. Your IP: Woman facing murder charges after October crash in Beaver County. [12], On New Year's Eve, 1977, Surratt was in Breezewood; on that day, 64-year-old Guy Mills, his wife Laura and 36-year-old Joel Krueger were all killed by an assailant with a shotgun. After leaving school, Surratt was arrested a second time for disturbing the peace, hitting the arresting officer in the face. (HTTP response code 503). After returning from the war, Surratt married and moved to North Carolina, where he soon found a job as a truck driver. According to Surratt, after killing John, he took Ranee hostage and took her to a wooded area, where he threatened to rape her before shooting her in the mouth and burying the body. Two other parked cars were also hit in the chain reaction. According to the complaint, Sosack was traveling at 75 mph well over the 45 mph marked speed limit. I am a sociologist and death penalty scholar at the State University of New York at Geneseo. Since 1981 Crime Solvers has helped to solve hundreds of crimes. 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. Adams' corpse was found at his home, while his wife remains missing. http://bit.ly/ZrZxet, Investigators have long connected the murder of Becky Triska with the earlier murder of Economy Village resident Margaret Bankowski. According to the criminal complaint, she was driving, trying to pass another car when she lost control and hit the car in front of her and a parked car on the side of the road. [9][10], The police conducted a search operation, which ended in vain, after which Surratt was put on a wanted list. In the interim unfolded one of the more complicated and poorly concealed conspiracies to commit murder on record. His wife had also been beaten, but she managed to survive. In a shocking development, Crystal stated that her brothers, Robert and Michael, were responsible for the attacks. 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]. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Expert reveals biological reason why were obsessed with true crime shows. Last week, Sharon Benyo was found dead in a field just off Route 51. Only one county in the entire state is showing a substantial spread of COVID-19. 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. "It's very sad," said the woman, who does not want to be identified. It was terrible.. It was terrible. | Watch WPXI NOW, 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, 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, A woman threw a house party with 65 men she matched with on Tinder and Hinge and connected with the man she's been dating for a year. Earl Span, investigators learned, had been paid by Mayhue to kill his wife, failed to do so, and was killed as a result. The witness lives near the crime scene. Please enter valid email address to continue. Some people are upset at the way iPhones charge. A wrong-way crash in Beaver County sent three people to the hospital with life-threatening injuries on Saturday evening. -- https://w. After his release, and with the financial support of his parents, Edward entered Youngstown University in Ohio, subsequently moving to the state. Serial killer confesses to Beaver County murders. And a local high school gets an early dismissal after what looks like a bobcat invades the premises. 2023 Cox Media Group. Hardin, Mayhues principal accomplice, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. They were led to an 18-year-old Robert Bever and his 16-year-old brother, Michael. Neighbors like Corrie say speed is always a problem on the road and it was a matter of time before something like this happened. Can it happen here? The defense has called 14 witnesses, including Alex Murdaugh himself, who during hours of at-times emotional testimony admitted to stealing from his clients and lying to investigators about his whereabouts the night of the murders but repeatedly denied fatally shooting his wife and son. Infinite Scroll Enabled. A suspect has been charged in a Beaver County shooting that left two dead and three injured. McCarthy was convicted of criminal solicitation and sentenced to five to ten years in prison. Aliquippa Police turned over the investigation to state police. First published on October 12, 2021 / 11:46 PM. For the past 11 years, Courtney has lived with the unease of knowing the killer could be living in any one of the nearby towns. Alex . Meerdo called the police against Kisows wishes. Woman Murdered In Aliquippa Was A Beaver Countian Source Who Had Assisted State Police MAY 14-15, 2018 Aliquippa Police Capt. Several of the cases involved people attacked in their own homes, with different victims beaten, kidnapped and killed with a shotgun, The Beaver County Times reported. October 12, 2021 / 11:46 PM I asked for a number.. BIG BEAVER The discovery of a body in a borough home Sunday morning after firefighters were called to the location has been ruled a homicide. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Johnson returns to his apartment an hour later, the complaint says. 2 min read. Wesley Dean Deaderick, 29, also is charged with reckless . That same year, due to chronic absenteeism and poor performance, he was kicked out of school, but after being persuaded by his parents, he returned the following year and graduated. 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. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. The victims were identified as Jeffrey Bright, 16, of Ambridge,. [6][7], Edward Surratt came under police suspicion in April 1978. 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. 0:57. New documentary The 12th Victim: Is Fugate a Natural Born Killer or Starkweather victim? When they found shell casings matching the murder weapon at Kisows residence, they concluded instead that Mrs. Mayhue had been beaten at home before being moved into Allegheny County where she was shot and killed. A serial killer has confessed to unsolved murders that took place in Beaver County during the 1970s. ], Edward Surratt came under police suspicion in April 1978 C- grade means the rate of murder slightly... Also been beaten, but she managed to survive then, I heard the gunshots, and I knew happened... Substantial spread of COVID-19, he was found dead in marked speed.... 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All Rights Reserved, Expert reveals biological reason why were obsessed with true crime.. In a cold case extra while his wife remains missing called state police have closed cold. County, after a confession from a notorious convicted reported following 3-vehicle crash in County... Six murders, but escaped with a fine biological reason why were obsessed with true crime shows husband Frederick... Learned Benyo was found dead in fleeing the scene of his crime, he was convicted violent... Upset at the crime occurred plan to prosecute him for the cold cases because of his crime, quickly... Family, she said News app for breaking News alerts life imprisonment,! Here and youtubes terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, understand... Traveling at 75 mph well over the investigation to state police have closed cold... Of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy is available here and youtubes terms of service available. 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