A shocking and senseless act of violence has shaken the community of Banks Township, Carbon County, Pennsylvania, after a 25-year-old man allegedly fired a shotgun through the wall of his twin home, killing his 69-year-old neighbor, Gerald Pogzeba. The incident has left many in the community stunned and searching for answers, as authorities work to piece together the events leading up to the tragic shooting.
According to the Pennsylvania State Police, Dylan Eroh, 25, faces charges including homicide, aggravated assault, discharging a firearm into an occupied structure, and reckless endangerment. The investigation revealed that Eroh shot through the wall of his residence, striking and killing Pogzeba, who lived in the adjacent twin home on Berwick Street.
Police responded to the scene after receiving a report of a deceased male, and investigators later determined that Eroh fired the shotgun through holes in the wall of his bathroom, which provided a clear line of sight into Pogzeba's home. The proximity of the holes to Pogzeba's location suggests that they were used to view or target him, police stated.
When officers arrived at Eroh's home, he reportedly told them to stay off his property before retreating inside and shutting the door. Police forcibly entered the home and found multiple firearms, including a shotgun, as well as ammunition matching the evidence from the scene and Pogzeba's body.
Eroh allegedly told police that he had been hearing voices and believed that there were listening devices in his home. Authorities found holes in his bathroom wall that aligned with the victim's location, further supporting their theory that Eroh intentionally targeted his neighbor.
Eroh was arrested, arraigned, and denied bail. He is currently being held at the Carbon County Correctional Facility. Police confirmed that this was an isolated incident and announced a preliminary hearing for Eroh scheduled for February 5.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this senseless tragedy, many are left wondering what could have driven Eroh to commit such a heinous act. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the underlying factors that led to this devastating incident.
The Pennsylvania State Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist in the investigation. As the community comes together to support the family and loved ones of Gerald Pogzeba, authorities are committed to ensuring that justice is served and that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.
