A disturbing narrative has emerged from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where a missing man was found to have been kidnapped and killed for his role in providing information to law enforcement about a shooting incident. Matthew Whisman, a 25-year-old from East Drumore Township, disappeared in April, only to be found dead over four months later. According to CBS News Philadelphia, the missing person's report led to an investigation that uncovered Whisman's kidnapping from a residence on Lancaster Pike following his cooperation with a shooting investigation in Maryland.
The Pennsylvania State Police have since arrested and charged three individuals with crimes, including kidnapping, murder, assault, and witness intimidation. The suspects, identified as Jeremy Absher of Mayesville, South Carolina; Steven Gaddis of Nottingham, Pennsylvania; and a juvenile from East Drumore Township, allegedly took Whisman forcibly from his home and ended his life, later disposing of his body over a bridge. FOX 43 reported that remains believed to be part of Whisman's body were discovered in August in Conowingo Creek in Cecil County, Maryland.
Investigators say that helping the authorities has led to severe retaliation against Whisman, who was trying to assist in a legal investigation. The suspects, now facing justice, allegedly took drastic actions to silence him.
A possible motive for the crime appears to be Whisman's choice to engage with the authorities in solving a shooting case, an act that seems to have placed him in the crosshairs of dangerous individuals. The suspects were charged with a gamut of offenses, as WGAL detailed, including homicide, kidnapping, and witness intimidation. The police have encouraged anyone with more information to come forward to ensure further justice is thoroughly served.
