Hearing for Hilliards woman accused of homicide continued
CHICORA — The preliminary hearing for a Hilliards woman arrested in the fatal shooting of a West Sunbury man was continued until next month.
Jessica L. Callahan, 19, was charged with felony criminal homicide March 21 and placed in Butler County Prison without bail. She is accused of shooting Tyler J. Whitlatch, 31, in the back, state police said.
On Tuesday, it was announced by Dave Beichner, assistant district attorney, that Callahan’s defense attorney requested a continuance. No reason was given for the request. The new hearing is scheduled for April 25 before District Judge Lewis Stoughton in Chicora.
Callahan was arrested after police said she contacted 911 at 3:15 p.m. March 20 while driving. She told dispatchers she had shot Whitlatch at her home on Kohlmeyer Road, Venango Township, and was taking him to the rodeo grounds in Washington Township.
When police arrived at the rodeo grounds, Whitlatch was pronounced deceased.
Callahan was interviewed by officers at the Butler barracks. She said a physical altercation between herself and Whitlatch began at her home that afternoon.
Callahan told police Whitlatch shoved her into a dresser during the altercation. Police said Callahan recalled retreating to the living room, where she said Whitlatch grabbed her by the throat. Callahan told police she then grabbed a 12-gauge shotgun from behind a couch and left the residence.
Callahan told police that Whitlatch followed her outside and walked onto Kohlmeyer Road. She told police she fired a shot into the air, then fired a second shot at Whitlatch, which struck him in the back.
Callahan drove Whitlatch from the scene and was en route to a hospital, police said, but his declining condition caused her to pull over and dial 911.
An autopsy conducted on Whitlatch the night of his death confirmed he died from a gunshot wound to his torso.
According to documents, Callahan is being represented by Cranberry attorney J.W. Hernandez-Cuebas.
