Old Forge community reacts to guilty verdict
OLD FORGE, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Since the beginning of the case, the Old Forge community has looked for answers, justice, and closure.
After six days of testimony and a verdict finally reached, that closure is now settling in.
28/22 News Reporter Gianna Galli spoke with people in Old Forge about the end of this murder case.
It’s been an exhaustive seven years for many.
Jury finds Justin Schuback guilty of first-degree murder
Those in the Old Forge community and Lackawanna County have felt the brunt of this case.
On Wednesday, with a verdict reached, those Galli spoke with were relieved.
Wednesday was a day for the people of Old Forge to get closure after seven long years of a murder case that consumed the community.
The suspect in the death investigation of Robert Baron is now locked up, likely for the rest of his life.
“Definitely one step to the end. All the people in Old Forge are ready to have it over with. Plus the family I’m sure they are. Everyone can move on with their lives,” said Old Forge resident Nick Sparacino.
“They had a killer on the loose for six years living in their town,” Lackawanna County District Attorney Mark Powell said.
Powell took over the case in 2018 and announced the arrest of Schuback in 2023.
The DA called it an exhaustive investigation, but one they weren’t giving up on, determined to bring relief to the Baron family and people living in fear.
“This begins the healing process. So I think they are content now knowing that there is a conviction and I hope the community feels safer. I’m sure the impact this murder had on the town of Old Forge will never be the same,” Powell explained.
Testimony continues in Justin Schuback Trial
One resident doesn’t feel that’s the case, that the Old Forge is a strong community and will move on.
“From living here for three years we find it to be a very nice, wholesome community. I’m glad there’s not too many crimes of this nature found in this community but I think everyone can move on from this, hopefully, and have a sigh of relief,” said Jay Ratchford of Old Forge.
Brown says over the next few weeks, the defense will decide whether or not they will appeal the verdict.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.
