JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WJAC) — Authorities say a Latrobe woman has been charged with murder in the 2023 death of a local business owner.

Johnstown Police say Tami Shafer, 53, is charged with murder Lance Ross, 65 years oldowner of the Johnstown Freight Station in February 2023.

Investigators say police were dispatched to the restaurant/bar on the morning of February 20, 2023 for reports of a fall.

According to the arrest affidavit, police say Shafer allegedly approached the caller and told him to call 911 after Ross was found in the atrium area of ​​the facility.

Police say the caller told emergency officials that the situation “looked suspicious”.

Investigators say Ross was taken to a hospital with serious injuries, where he later died.

Authorities noted that according to an autopsy, Ross suffered multiple blunt force injuries to the head and neck.

Upon further investigation, police say officers reviewed surveillance video that showed Shafer repeatedly exiting and re-entering the freight station nearly an hour before the initial 911 call was made.

Police say Shafer stated she and Ross allegedly went out the night before his death.

According to the affidavit, police say she repeatedly stated that Ross fell down the stairs and that it was “no big deal.”

Cops say she even admitted to moving his body after it was found.

Investigators say Shafer later made comments about Ross’ injuries, stating that “somebody beat the hell out of him and killed him.”

Authorities say that upon further investigation, detectives also discovered various blood evidence at the scene that contradicted Shafer’s claims, including blood spatter in the stairwell and a bloody sledgehammer.

Conformable online court recordsShafer is awaiting trial on charges of criminal homicide, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment and tampering with evidence.