Murder suspect shot by police during standoff remains in hospital

FORWARD TOWNSHIP, Pa. — One person is dead following a standoff in Forward Township that lasted several hours Wednesday.

Police and a SWAT team responded to a home in the 500 block of Pine Avenue around 1 p.m. Wednesday in response to a 911 call from that address about an assault in progress.

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Authorities identified caller as the 68-year-old homeowner, Harrison Schaffer, who was shot and killed.

Upon their arrival, officers were shot at by the suspect, who was later identified as Schaffer's nephew 47-year-old Billy Joe Richter, initiating a four-hour standoff. Nearby William Penn Elementary was placed on lockdown as a precaution.

Police said a total of three municipal officers and one state police trooper fired prior to the Allegheny County Police SWAT team taking control of the scene.

Around 5:15 p.m., Richter was taken into custody without incident and was found to be suffering from a gunshot wound in his chest. He was transported to Allegheny General Hospital, where he was listed in serious condition Thursday.

No officers were injured.

Detectives said preliminary findings indicated that Richter shot Schaffer before the arrival of police. Ballistic testing will be completed to determine which officer shot Richter.

“He's such a good guy. This is unbelievable,” said the victim’s best friend, Pastor Ronald Doran.

Family members said they believe they know what led to the shooting.

“Just over money, and he killed him for nothing. He would've given you the shirt off his back,” said relative Kathy Streets.

Police have yet to release a motive and the investigation continues.

Richter will be charged with homicide, burglary, criminal mischief, five counts of aggravated assault and five counts of recklessly endangering another person.

When he’s released from the hospital, he will be lodged at the Allegheny County Jail.

WPXI