Authorities have apprehended a man accused in the fatal shooting incident that occurred in Beaver Falls. As reported by WPXI, Daniel Felo II was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshal Service task force in Connellsville after concerted efforts by local law enforcement, including Beaver Falls police and Connellsville police.
Charged with the death of Eric Mason, Felo's arrest followed the discovery of Mason's body, which had suffered a gunshot wound to the back of the head, located inside an abandoned building on 11th Street on December 30. Witnesses have reportedly come forward with pivotal information to aid investigators in the case, and one such witness overheard Felo alleging that Mason had "ratted" on a friend, leading to a substantial 15-year prison sentence. Another witness claimed Felo demonstrated how Mason had fallen after being shot, as detailed by WPXI.
As reported by WTAE, further inquiries were made into Felo's whereabouts following the incident. Security footage from the night of December 29 reveals Felo's movements in and out of an apartment near the scene. The building's owner reported to authorities that he received a call from Felo asking “hypothetical questions” about another building, including inquiries about potential fires.
The community's response to the tragedy indicates the victim was well-regarded, with Beaver Falls Mayor Kenya Johns lauding Mason, stating, "He was a very loving and caring individual. You know, he had a lot of deep roots in our community," adding respect for anyone coming forward with information related to Felo after details emerged of Mason tragically being found in a building wrapped in tarps and tied with extension cords with footprints scattered across the floor, Eric Mason was valued as an important member of the community, as WTAE detailed.
