Authorities say a Latrobe woman has been arrested and is facing homicide charges in the 2023 death of a local business owner.
Johnstown police say 53-year-old Tami Shafer is accused of killing 65-year-old Lance Ross, the owner of the Johnstown Freight Station, in February of 2023.
Investigators say police were dispatched to the restaurant/bar, on the morning of Feb. 20, 2023, for reports of a fall injury.
According to the arrest affidavit, police say Shafer had allegedly approached the caller and told him to contact 911 after Ross was reportedly found in the atrium area of the establishment.
Police say the caller told emergency officials that the situation “looked suspicious.”
Investigators say Ross was transported to the hospital, with severe injuries, where he later died.
Authorities noted that, according to an autopsy, Ross had suffered multiple blunt force injuries to his head and neck.
Upon further investigation, police say officers reviewed surveillance video which reportedly showed Shafer repeatedly exiting and re-entering the Freight Station nearly an hour before the initial 911 call was made.
Police say Shafer stated that she and Ross had allegedly gone out the night before his death.
According to the affidavit, police say she also made repeated claims that Ross fell down the stairs and that “it wasn’t a big deal.”
Officers say she even admitted to allegedly moving his body after he was found.
Investigators say Shafer later made comments about Ross’ injuries, stating, “someone beat the hell out of him and murdered him.”
Authorities say, upon further investigation, detectives also discovered various blood evidence at the scene that reportedly contradicted Shafer’s claims, including blood splatter in the stairwell and a bloody sledgehammer.
According to the affidavit, police say she also made repeated claims that Ross fell down the stairs and that “it wasn’t a big deal.”