When a Mifflinburg man was found deceased in his home in June, state police ruled the cause of death as "unknown" and kept the case open. Following an intensive investigation, police now have declared the man's death a homicide, and have taken four locals into custody.
On June 22, Randy Alan Sampsell, 52, was found dead in his Mifflinburg home by a family member who had gone to check on his welfare. It was estimated that Sampsell died about seven to 10 days earlier, according to reports. He appeared to have died as the result of a gunshot wound to the head.
Prior to Sampsell's death, state police were investigating a home invasion robbery that occurred on June 12 in Millmont. During this incident, Scott Vonneida was assaulted in his home, and several of his guns were stolen.
Through "intense investigation and interviewing," police connected the four individuals to both crimes and determined that Sampsell's death was a homicide.
Justin G. Richard, 28, of Mifflinburg, and Herbert Lamont Tiebout, 37, of Lewisburg, were charged with murder, robbery, burglary and assault.
Amanda Kratzer, 26, of Sunbury, faces charges including conspiracy to commit robbery, conspiracy to commit burglary and conspiracy to receive stolen property.
Michael A. Shatterly II, 24, of Mifflinburg, is charged with receiving stolen property.
According to reports, all four were arraigned before District Judge Jeffery Mensch on Tuesday.
The investigation still is continuing, according to state police.
