Clarion, Pennsylvania – Police in Pennsylvania have charged a 34-year-old man with criminal homicide after investigators say he tried to make his friend’s brutal stabbing death appear to be a suicide. The victim, 45-year-old Rachel Roman, was found dead inside the suspect’s apartment on Nov. 5, leading to an investigation that ultimately unraveled his alleged cover-up.
Incident Overview
According to authorities, Chase Steigerwald, 34, was arrested after police determined that Rachel Roman, who was discovered dead in his apartment, had not taken her own life but had been violently attacked. Steigerwald is currently being held at Clarion County Jail without bond.
Police initially responded to the apartment after Steigerwald claimed he returned from a walk with a woman and found Roman deceased. However, evidence and witness statements quickly contradicted that version of events, leading investigators to suspect foul play. The case details were outlined in a criminal complaint obtained by Explore Jefferson PA.
Witness Accounts and Timeline of Events
The unnamed woman who accompanied Steigerwald that morning later provided a conflicting account. She told police she was in another room when she heard “gurgling/choking noises” from the living room. When she checked, she found Roman on the floor, bleeding, while Steigerwald was packing a backpack. According to investigators, she said Steigerwald told her they “needed to leave.”
Police reviewed surveillance camera footage showing the pair leaving the home at 5:05 a.m. and returning at 6:38 a.m. During this time, Steigerwald allegedly mentioned his plan to make the scene appear as though Roman had died by suicide.
Alleged Attempt to Stage the Scene
When the two returned, the woman told investigators she witnessed Steigerwald trying to manipulate evidence. She stated that he placed a knife in Roman’s hand to transfer fingerprints and hid a bottle of methamphetamine inside the couch where Roman had previously been sitting.
A witness from a party at the apartment hours earlier confirmed seeing Roman alive at 11 p.m. Another witness on a FaceTime call with Steigerwald that night said she saw him holding a fixed-blade knife—the same type later recovered near Roman’s body. She also reported hearing him arguing with Roman.
Additional Evidence Collected
Investigators said they gathered more information based on phone activity and noise reports. Roman had texted a co-worker at 11:39 p.m., but the co-worker’s reply at 12:20 a.m. was never delivered, suggesting Roman’s phone had been powered off. A neighbor reported that a loud party at the apartment abruptly went quiet around midnight.
When questioned, Steigerwald acknowledged that the knife belonged to him and that he had used it for hunting. He also allegedly admitted to smoking molly before calling 911.
Police reported finding blood in multiple areas of the apartment, including the kitchen sink, bathroom sink, and even on a bottle of Dawn dish soap. They also recovered the hidden methamphetamine.
Autopsy Findings
According to the autopsy report, Roman suffered multiple stab wounds, including injuries to her face, chest, arm, and hand. The fatal injury was a stab wound to her neck, which police say is consistent with a homicide rather than a self-inflicted wound.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Steigerwald was initially arrested days after Roman’s death on a drug charge. However, once investigators completed their review and charged him with criminal homicide, the drug charge was dropped. He remains in custody without bond at Clarion County Jail, and his next court date is scheduled for Dec. 2.
Community Safety and Awareness
Criminal cases involving staged crime scenes can complicate investigations, making timely witness information and digital evidence crucial. Authorities encourage residents to report suspicious behavior immediately and to seek help if they suspect anyone may be in danger. The case highlights how surveillance footage, phone records, and witness cooperation can help uncover the truth when initial statements do not align with the facts.
Conclusion
As investigators continue to build their case, the community awaits further developments in what police describe as a calculated attempt to disguise a violent killing. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact local law enforcement.
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