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As the investigation into the murder of a Warren County man continues, more details are being revealed, including the alleged weapon used.
Marcus A. Mattson, 18, of Russell, was killed on Feb. 5. James A. McDaniel, 25, of Russell, is charged with his murder, and Gary R. Williams, 22, of North Cambria is charged with helping cover up the murder. Both are being held without bond, and neither was listed in court papers on Friday as being represented by an attorney.
According to Deputy Warren County Coroner Ed Lloyd, an autopsy was performed at the Erie County Morgue by forensic pathologist Dr. Eric Vey.
“We do have a positive identification,” Lloyd said. “It was Marcus Mattson.”
Officials did not officially confirm the identity of the body on Thursday.
The autopsy also revealed the cause of death.
“We were able to confirm the cause of death was multiple gunshots,” Lloyd said.
In the affidavit of probable cause, which is a sworn statement by police describing why a defendant should be held for further court action, police said McDaniel confessed to the crime, giving police numerous details about the case that were later confirmed.
Pennsylvania State Police found Mattson’s body two days ago in a crawlspace at 275 Abraham Hollow Road in Brokenstraw Township.
McDaniel also told police where to find the gun he used to shoot Mattson, according to the affidavit.
“We have recovered the murder weapon,” Warren County District Attorney Rob Greene said. “It was where Mr. McDaniel told us it would be.”
That gun was found in a duffel bag in a vehicle trailer parked in front of the garage at the Abraham Hollow address. The district attorney’s office described the weapon as a small-caliber pistol.
Greene is disputing as unfounded other portions of the confession, that could represent an attempt to establish a defense. He said McDaniel was being investigated by the Warren County Drug Task Force, but that there is no evidence that the fatal encounter was a “drug deal gone wrong.”
Greene described the efforts of state police in handling and solving the missing person turned murder case as “exemplary.”
“The professionalism of the state police throughout this investigation should give Warren County confidence,” he said. “I, specifically, would like to express my appreciation for the leadership of Lt. Wayne Kline and Sgt. Rob Finch.”
“I would like to thank the community of Warren for coming together to support this family,” he said.