Charges Withdrawn In Death Of Jtown Businessman

Nearly 15 months after homicide charges were filed against 53-year-old Tami Shafer in the 2023 death of Johnstown business owner Lance Ross, Cambria County prosecutors have withdrawn all charges.  During a pre-trial hearing yesterday, District Attorney Jessica Aurandt stated that the office could “not ethically move forward” after a defense-led forensic investigation challenged existing probable-cause evidence.  In February of 2023, 65-year-old Lance Ross was found beaten to death at his establishment, the Johnstown Freight Station.  Shafer, who is from Latrobe, was arrested in November of 2024 following an investigation.  A new forensic report commissioned by the defense made it difficult to prove Shafer was responsible for the fatal injuries.  The charges were withdrawn without prejudice, allowing prosecutors to refile if further investigation yields new evidence.