ST. CLAIR TOWNSHIP, PA – The Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole W. Ziccarelli announced the arrest of three individuals in connection with the homicide of Alice Robson, a 71-year-old resident of St. Clair Township.
The Westmoreland County Detective Bureau charged Matthew Bates and Robert Jack with criminal homicide, conspiracy to commit criminal homicide, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with evidence. Melissa Beacom faces charges of conspiracy to commit criminal homicide and criminal solicitation.
Robson, reported missing since December 11, was found deceased on Thursday in an unfinished crawl space beneath her residence. The investigation revealed she suffered two gunshot wounds to her head.
Further inquiry implicated Bates, boyfriend of Robson’s granddaughter, and his accomplices in the crime. The motive is suspected to be rooted in a custody dispute over Robson’s grandson.
All accused are currently detained at Westmoreland County Prison without bail, awaiting preliminary hearings on December 29.