Latrobe, Pennsylvania – A woman was found dead inside her apartment over the weekend, and investigators say she was killed after rejecting a man’s sexual advances. Authorities have arrested a 54-year-old suspect who they claim followed her home, attacked her, and then attempted to hide evidence before fleeing the building.
Pamela Puskar, 59, was discovered stabbed to death inside her kitchen at the Loyalhanna Apartments. Prosecutors say the suspect, Glenn Whittier, now faces criminal homicide and evidence-tampering charges. He has denied wrongdoing, but officials say surveillance footage, witness statements, and recorded calls paint a stark picture of what happened during the early morning hours.
Timeline of the Night
According to investigators, Whittier was visiting a friend at the apartment complex on Friday night. Puskar briefly came into the friend’s unit looking for someone she knew. During that short encounter, Whittier asked her for cigarettes.
Authorities believe Whittier then followed her back to her apartment. Court documents indicate that once inside, he suggested they engage in sexual activity. Puskar refused, and shortly after, Whittier’s friend called him. During that phone call, Puskar can be heard in the background firmly saying, “You’re not touching me.”
Officials say this was the last time anyone heard her voice.
Discovery of the Victim
Calls and knocks on Puskar’s door went unanswered throughout Saturday morning and into the next day. On Sunday around 8 a.m., someone managed to enter the apartment and found her dead in the kitchen. An autopsy later revealed she had been stabbed multiple times.
Investigators believe the killing took place early Saturday morning, shortly after the phone call where she resisted the suspect’s advances.
Surveillance Footage and the Suspect’s Exit
The Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office says surveillance video shows Whittier leaving the building around 7 a.m. on Saturday with his hood pulled tightly around his face. He was carrying a Ginger Ale box as he exited the property.
Officials allege he attempted to conceal evidence from the crime scene before leaving.
Police Questioning and Public Statements
Whittier was arrested on Wednesday. As officers escorted him to a law enforcement vehicle, reporters questioned him about the allegations.
When asked whether he believed he was innocent, he replied, “Yes.”
When asked what he was doing inside Puskar’s apartment, he declined to answer.
Pressed further on whether he knew the victim, he responded, “That was the very first time we met through a friend.”
Whittier was arraigned the same day and denied bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for December 8.
Prior Criminal History
According to court records referenced by investigators, Whittier has a violent past involving attacks on women. In 2015, he was accused of holding a woman captive for days, beating her with a hammer, and pouring bleach into her eyes. He later pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in 2016 and received a sentence of two to five years in prison.
Remembering the Victim
Puskar’s obituary describes her death as the result of “an act of terrible violence.” She was known in her community as an active member of the Latrobe Ladies Auxiliary American Legion Post #515 and enjoyed doing crossword puzzles. Friends and family are mourning the sudden and tragic loss of a woman they say brought warmth and kindness to those around her.
Community Safety Reminder
Cases like this highlight the dangers surrounding interpersonal violence and the importance of immediate reporting when someone appears to be in distress or goes missing. Authorities urge residents to check in on neighbors when something seems unusual and to contact law enforcement if they witness suspicious behavior.
Conclusion
As the investigation continues, prosecutors say they are confident in the evidence linking Whittier to Puskar’s killing. The community now waits for further developments as the case moves through the court system.
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