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Body Found In Vehicle Along Route 31 In Donegal; State Police Arrest Son-In-Law

DONEGAL (KDKA) - State police say they have arrested the son-in-law of a man whose body was found in his car in Donegal Township late Wednesday night.

Investigators said in a news release Thursday evening that they have taken 40-year-old Michael Martin of Fallowfield Township into custody in connection with the case. State police say Martin is accused of stabbing his father-in-law, 67-year-old Earl Weygandt, nine times.

According to police, Weygandt, a veteran, was found in the driver's seat of his disabled SUV, which was parked in the 3000-block of Route 31.

KDKA's Ralph Iannotti Reports:

A person passing by called 911 around 10:20 p.m. to report a car on fire.

Emergency personnel found the vehicle parked in a restaurant parking lot with Weygandt's body inside.

Police said the car was never on fire, but the engine may have been overheating because they believe Weygandt's foot was stuck on the gas pedal. Witnesses tell KDKA that Weygant was found slouched over in the driver's seat.

KDKA's Trina Orlando Reports:

Neighbors said a witness told them police found the passenger-side door ajar and a gun left on the seat. Authorities searched the area for evidence and clues about what happened before Weygandt's death.

The vehicle was towed to the State Police Barracks in Greensburg.

On Thursday night, investigators seized two vehicles from Martin's Fallowfield home where neighbors said they would occasionally see Weygandt staying overnight.

State Police also were seen carrying off several bags of evidence from inside the house.

According to state police, the Westmoreland County Coroner's Office reports that Weygandt had been stabbed nine times, including three wounds to the neck that severed his jugular veins and esophagus.

Michael_Martin
Michael Martin (Photo Credit: KDKA)

Weygant and his wife lived in Charleroi, but Weygant liked to spend his time at the Roaring Run Campground in Champion. He loved to take pictures of covered bridges.

State Police have scheduled a news conference to talk about the arrest at 10 a.m. Friday morning

Stay With KDKA.com For More Details

KDKA's Heather Abraham Reports:

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