HARRISBURG, PA — A Crawford County man will spend the remainder of his life in prison after being convicted in the brutal killing of a pregnant woman in her home earlier this year. Shawn Cranston, 53, of Corry, received two consecutive life sentences on Monday following his conviction on charges including first-degree murder and second-degree murder of an unborn child.
Cranston was found guilty by a jury for the February 26, 2024, slaying of 23-year-old Rebekah Byler at her Sparta Township residence. Prosecutors said Cranston targeted the home with the intent to burglarize it, but upon encountering Byler, he carried out a fatal attack that included both stabbing and shooting the victim.
“This defendant committed a truly evil act, and is now held fully accountable as he will spend the rest of his life behind bars without an opportunity to ever again harm another person in free society,” said Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday. “I commend the dedicated investigators and prosecutors for their work, and the jury that reached an appropriate verdict. My thoughts are with the victim’s family, whose quiet strength throughout the process has been inspiring.”
Byler, remembered by her loved ones as a devoted mother with a love for cleaning, was pregnant at the time of her death. Family members were present for Monday’s sentencing but chose not to make statements in court.
During the four-day trial, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General laid out a detailed account of forensic and digital evidence that tied Cranston to the scene. Key findings included a glove fragment bearing his DNA, footprints and tire tracks consistent with his shoes and vehicle, and GPS data placing him at the location during the time of the crime.
The case was initially referred to the state Attorney General’s office by the Crawford County District Attorney. The prosecution was led by Assistant Chief Deputy Attorney General Evan Lowry and Deputy Attorney General Kevin Scheibel.
With no possibility of parole, Cranston’s sentence ensures he will never be released from prison. The court’s decision closes a tragic chapter for the Byler family while delivering a firm measure of justice for the lives lost.
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