Pennsylvania Homicide: 80-Year-Old Man Fatally Shoots Grandson During Domestic Argument With Wife

An elderly man was arrested and charged for fatally shooting his grandson during a domestic argument in Boswell, Pennsylvania, on Sunday (June 14).

The accused, identified as 80-year-old Ray Edward Supanick, had gotten into an argument with his wife, Barbara Ann Supanick, in their home in Boswell after which, he took out a gun from the cabinet and fatally shot his grandson.

Barbara then contacted police requesting for help and informed them that Supanick had shot their grandson. The shooting took place at around 10:30 p.m. Sunday. When officers arrived at the scene, they found the victim dead at the scene.

The woman said she had an argument with the accused and heard him “messing” around with the gun cabinet. She then messaged her grandson, identified as 30-year-old Joshua Cale Hillegas, to find out if Supanick had any guns in the house.

According to an affidavit, when Hillegas went to the living room area, he was shot in the shoulder by his grandfather and yelled “get out he shot me”. Supanick then pointed the gun at his wife and said “next one’s for you”. However, the woman was able to disarm and subdue him until officers arrived at the scene.

Supanick told police that he and Hillegas were struggling for the gun when his finger slipped and accidentally discharged the gun, striking the 30-year-old. According to court documents, Barbara informed authorities that Supanick was suffering from bipolar, schizophrenia, and manic episodes, but was never officially diagnosed.

“I want to express my heartfelt condolences to the family. I can’t imagine what they are going through right now,” said Jeff Thomas, Somerset County District Attorney.

The 80-year-old was arrested and charged with criminal homicide, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, aggravated assault, terroristic threats, possessing instruments of crime, and harassment. He was being held at Somerset County Jail and his preliminary court hearing was scheduled for June 26.

The case was still under investigation. No further information was available at the time.