Pregnant Amish woman killed in Pennsylvania home had 'scalping type wound,' slashed throat

Shawn Cranston, 52, arrested Saturday in murder of Rebekah Byler

Outrage grows after murder of Laken Riley

Fox News' Madison Scarpino reports on the outrage over sanctuary city policies after the murder of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley on 'Fox News Live.'

Pennsylvania police found a gruesome crime scene last month at the home of a pregnant Amish woman found dead in a puddle of blood in her own home in rural Crawford County, according to court documents.

"An evident laceration was observed on the front side of [Rebekah Byler's] neck in addition to a scalping type wound on her head," according to a pair of Pennsylvania State Police warrants released by the court Monday.

The gruesome details come just two days after police announced the arrest of a 52-year-old man named Shawn Cranston in the case.

MAN ARRESTED IN KILLING OF PREGNANT AMISH WOMAN IN PENNSYLVANIA

Mugshot and another photo inset over map of area

Pennsylvania State Police announced the arrest of Shawn Cranston on Saturday in the brutal slaying of a pregnant 23-year-old named Rebekah Byler. (Crime Watch PA)

A friend called 911 for help around 12:30 p.m. on Feb. 26 after she and the victim's husband, Andy Byler, entered the home and found the 23-year-old victim with her throat cut in the living room.

She was six months pregnant.

Cranston, the suspect, faces charges of criminal homicide, criminal homicide of an unborn child, burglary and trespassing.

Rebekah Byler's home on Fish Flats Road in Sparta Township

Investigators in the death of 23-year-old Amish woman Rebekah Byler in Sparta Township, Crawford County, said she had neck and head wounds when her body was found inside of her Fish Flats Road residence, pictured. (Tim Hahn/Erie Times-News/USA Today Network)

PREGNANT AMISH WOMAN KILLED IN PENNSYLVANIA HOME HAD CUTS TO HEAD, NECK: REPORT

He is being held without bail at the Crawford County Jail.

He's due back in court for a preliminary hearing on March 15.

Read the warrant affidavits:

2 MINNESOTA AMISH CHILDREN DEAD; IDENTICAL TWINS CHARGED WITH SWAPPING PLACES, AND CASE GETS COMPLICATED

The slaying shocked the rural northwestern Pennsylvania community. Residents say the Amish, known for their plain dress and restricted use of technology, get along well with their non-Amish neighbors, The Associated Press reported.

"It's not something that happens around here," Lindsey Smith, president of the women's auxiliary of the nearby Spartansburg Volunteer Fire Department, said last week.

Fox News' Christina Coulter and Michael Dorgan contributed to this report.

Michael Ruiz is a reporter for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and on Twitter: @mikerreports

Authored by Michael Ruiz via FoxNews March 4th 2024