Police say surveillance video captured Jakob Korber assaulting his mother for more than an hour before leaving the property.
SEWICKLEY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A 29-year-old Pennsylvania man was charged with criminal homicide after authorities said surveillance video captured him repeatedly assaulting his mother for more than an hour before she was found dead on the front porch of their Westmoreland County home Sunday.
Jakob Michael Korber was arrested Sunday evening in connection with the death of his mother, Christin Hamilton, according to the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office. State police said a relative found Hamilton severely injured on the porch of a home along Herminie West Newton Road and called 911. Hamilton was pronounced dead at the scene. Korber was denied bail after his arraignment and remained in the Westmoreland County Prison.
Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Steve Limani said Hamilton appeared to have been beginning her morning when the confrontation started. She had stepped outside while letting the dog out and was having coffee when Korber approached her, according to police accounts. Investigators said surveillance video from the home showed an argument followed by a sustained assault. Authorities said Korber allegedly used his hands, feet and objects that were on the porch during the attack.
Police said the surveillance recording showed the assault continuing for more than an hour. Investigators said Hamilton could be heard calling for help, but no one nearby responded. Her daughter, who was inside the home, later found her mother outside and alerted authorities. Officials have described the recording as a key piece of evidence in the homicide investigation.
After the assault, police believe Korber changed his clothes and left the property. Limani told local reporters that investigators believe Korber then went to a nearby field, where he apparently slept for a period of time. State police circulated his photograph and asked the public for help locating him as troopers searched the area around the residence.
Later Sunday, residents reported seeing Korber walking on a road near the home. Police said he returned toward the area as officers moved in to take him into custody. Television news cameras captured Korber approaching the property before he dropped to the ground and surrendered. State police said he was arrested without incident.
During an interview with investigators, police said Korber made a statement indicating that if Hamilton was dead, he was responsible for causing her death. The statement and other allegations against him are expected to be examined as the criminal case moves through court. Korber has been charged with one count of criminal homicide, and the charge is an accusation. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office said investigators reviewed the home’s surveillance footage and determined it showed Korber arguing with Hamilton before the alleged assault began. Officials have not publicly identified a motive for the confrontation. Authorities also have not released Hamilton’s age, and early reporting from the county coroner said a final cause and manner of death had not yet been announced.
State police officials said the investigation remained active and additional charges could be considered as investigators continue reviewing evidence. Authorities have not publicly said whether Korber had an attorney representing him or whether he has entered a plea to the homicide charge.
Korber is being held without bail at the Westmoreland County Prison. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for Sept. 14, according to local reporting. The case remains under investigation by Pennsylvania State Police and the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office.