Homicide charges filed in death of elderly Connellsville woman
An investigation into the death of an elderly Connellsville woman in October resulted in homicide charges filed against her daughter and daughter’s boyfriend.
Peter Lee Shoemaker Jr., 42, and Lisa Nelson, 33, both of Connellsville are lodged in Fayette County Prison without bond on criminal homicide and other charges. They were arraigned Thursday night before Magisterial District Judge Jennifer Jeffries.
Sally Nelson, 63, suffered a head injury October 19 at the Prospect Street residence where she lived with the couple and their three children and did not receive treatment, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed in the case. The next day, she was found in the house unresponsive. She was flown to UPMC Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh and died November 11.
Fayette County Detective John F. Marshall wrote in the affidavit that Nelson had severe head lice, requiring her head to be shaved at the hospital.
Autopsy results conducted on Nelson showed signs of elder abuse, including several healing fractures, pressure wounds over her body, blunt force trauma to the head, face and neck and multiple signs of malnourishment that made her appear much older.
Fayette County Children and Youth Services interviewed one of the sons, who said that Shoemaker killed his grandma. He told investigators he saw the man hit her with a table leg.
He was overheard telling his father he did not like him because he killed his grandmother, according to the affidavit. Shoemaker allegedly responded, “You’ll understand one day.”
Lisa Nelson told Connellsville police that Shoemaker routinely abused her and her mother. She allegedly admitted she “smacked her a couple of times,” according to the affidavit.
Nelson and Shoemaker are also facing charges of conspiracy to commit criminal homicide, aggravated assault, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person.
Their preliminary hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. before Jeffries.