Violinist Beaten by Teens
Erie – Erie Police are investigating an attack against a street musician that happened last Tuesday. At press time, authorities have identified a group of three teenagers they plan to charge for the attack. Investigators say that last Tuesday, around 3 p.m., a 23-year-old man was hospitalized after being assaulted when leaving a bus on 9th and Peach Streets. The victim’s name was not revealed, but he is well known for playing the violin for people around Erie’s downtown area.
Penn State to Close Shenango Campus, Others
Sharon – On Thursday, Penn State University’s Board of Directors voted to approve the closing of seven satellite campuses, including Penn State Shenango in Mercer County. By a vote of 25-8 the Directors have decided to close several campuses in Western Pennsylvania: Shenango, New Kensington, DuBois, and Fayette; three other campuses around the state will also close. The seven campuses that will be closed will begin to wind down at the end of the 2025 fall semester and close for good by the end of 2027. The seven campuses combined represent less than 4% of the total students at Penn State.
Governor Shapiro agrees with the University’s decision. At an event in Philadelphia last Friday, the Governor said Penn State needed to make tough choices as part of its long-term plan, and he has confidence in the university’s leadership. Shapiro added that his administration is committed to working with Penn State to ensure the affected communities will be taken care of going forward.
No Foul Play at Disturbing Scene
Oil City – Oil City Police Chief Corry Ruditis says that blood and bones found in a wooded area on Memorial Weekend are not linked to foul play. On Saturday, authorities were called about the discovery of blood and bones at a wooded lot along Colbert Avenue in Oil City. OCPD, along with the Pennsylvania State Police and their Forensic Services, determined that the bones belonged to an animal; the blood was human but seemed to be the result of a stomach condition. Evidence suggests a woman may have been camping in the area, and Chief Ruditis is asking anyone with information that could help locate her to call his department at (814)678-3080.
Daughter and Grandson Charged in Death of Grandmother
Tionesta – In Forest County, a mother and her son are being charged with involuntary manslaughter and neglect of a care-dependent person for the death of an Alzheimer’s patient under their care last year. Beth and Mark Bradford are charged with the aforementioned and other crimes after an investigation was completed into the death of Beulah Baughman, Mark’s grandmother. The Pennsylvania State Police based in Marienville say that the defendants systematically neglected their care-dependent family member, leaving her to die by starvation and dehydration.