The Centre County Coroner’s office have released the identities of the victims and the shooter in Thursday night’s shootings in State College.
Officials say 21 year old Jordan Witmer of Bellefonte began shooting at the PJ Harrigan’s on South Atherton Street at around 10 p.m. Thursday evening. They say he shot and killed 62 year old Dean Beachy of Millersburg, Ohio. He also shot and critically injured another male and female. They have not been identified at this time. Police believe the female was Witmer’s current or ex-girlfriend. At first, WTAJ was told by police that a female was shot and killed. That information has been updated as those victms are in critical condition and were taken to the Mount Nittany Medical Center before being taken by life-flight.
Police say Witmer drove away from the scene and made it about a half a mile before crashing into a fence on Waupelani Drive near the State College YMCA. Witmer then ran away from the car and police say he broke into a home on Tussey Lane. That’s where they say he shot and killed 83 year old George McCormick. According to police, McCormick’s wife locked herself in a bedroom and called 911.
When police arrived, they found Mr. McCormick and Witmer both dead. They say Witmer shot himself.
State College Police Chief John Gardner said of the incident, “It’s Happy Valley, we like to think these things can’t happen here. but one of the things it makes you realize is that it can happen here and it does happen here. I guess it’s a sign of the times in the world we live in here.”
Police say the only connection Witmer had to the victims was to the female who was transported who they believe is his current or ex-girlfriend. They believe the other victims were random.
Chief Gardner said, “I know we were starting to get some inquiries about whether there was a second shooter or whatever. There is no danger to anyone else. The actor that did the shootings is now deceased and he was tied to both of these.”
Police continue to investigate and have a briefing planned for 2:30 p.m. Friday.
