NORTH UNION TOWNSHIP (KDKA) — Neighbors in a Fayette County community were frightened when they heard shattering glass and screams for help.
State police say it is a case of domestic violence turned deadly. The victim, attacked in her trailer in North Union Township, was pronounced dead at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital.
“It must have been pretty gruesome because there was blood all over the cruiser after they put him in there,” said Robert Conklin, a neighbor.
According to police, 49-year-old Lisa Tupta was attacked in her mobile home on Monday afternoon.
Investigators say it started when the suspect, identified at 56-year-old Henry Crawford, showed up at the trailer, was not let in and then kicked in the door.
“There was a confrontation once he was inside,” said Trooper Thomas Broadwater, of State Police. “At some point, a knife became involved and Mr. Crawford appeared to have stabbed Ms. Tupta.”
Tupta suffered multiple stab wounds. Police say she was also apparently beaten.
Terrified neighbors called state police who got to the scene quickly.
“He tried to flee the scene. He was holding a knife,” said Trooper Broadwater. “He ran back inside. Troopers chased after him and found him hiding in a closet.”
Tupta was taken to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital where she died.
On Facebook, a memorial page is now set up. Her friends remembering a woman whose “smile lit up a room” and was truly “an Angel walking this Earth.”
Others expressed shock and horror over what happened.
Crawford has a long criminal history that includes, drug and DUI arrests, aggravated assault, simple assault, disorderly conduct, fighting, as well as terroristic threats.
He is now facing criminal homicide charges.
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