A Corry man will spend the rest of his life behind bars for the brutal killing of a pregnant Crawford County woman inside her home last year.

Shawn Cranston, 53, of Corry, will spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole for the brutal murder of a pregnant Crawford County woman in 2024.

On Monday, a Crawford County judge handed down two consecutive life sentences after Cranston was convicted of first-degree murder and second-degree murder of an unborn child, among other charges, for the killing of Rebekah Byler in her Sparta Township home.

According to prosecutors, Cranston entered Byler’s home on February 26, 2024, intending to commit a burglary. After encountering her inside, he slashed her throat and shot her, killing both her and her unborn child.

“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, whose office led the prosecution. “My thoughts are with the victim’s family, whose quiet strength throughout the process has been inspiring.”

Trial evidence included Cranston’s DNA on a torn glove, shoe and tire tread matches to the crime scene, and GPS data showing his vehicle at the Byler residence.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant Chief Deputy Attorney General Evan Lowry and Deputy Attorney General Kevin Scheibel, following a referral from the Crawford County District Attorney’s Office.

Byler, remembered as a devoted mother with a passion for cleaning, was mourned by her family at the sentencing hearing. They did not speak publicly but were present to witness the conclusion of the trial.