Crime
47-year-old Christopher Waggett shot and killed during domestic incident in Butler
Williams now faces one count of criminal homicide, with bail set at $2 million.
A man is in custody after a fatal shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania, stemming from a dispute on Tuesday night.
According to Butler City Police, the incident involved a confrontation between Sean Williams, 37, and Christopher Waggett, 47, both local residents.
The events unfolded during a gathering at a residence in the 200 block of American Avenue.
Witnesses reported that tensions escalated when a comment upset the mother of Williams’ girlfriend, prompting Waggett to intervene and restrain her.
This led to a physical altercation between Waggett and Williams. During the struggle, Waggett either struck a bottle over Williams’ head or knocked it out of his hand, according to witness statements.
Williams reportedly responded by drawing a firearm and shooting Waggett in the upper body.
Emergency crews quickly arrived and attempted life-saving measures, but Waggett ultimately succumbed to his injuries on the scene.
Following the shooting, Williams fled and attempted to hide near his residence on West New Castle Street but was apprehended shortly thereafter.
He was taken into custody and transported to Butler County Prison.
Williams now faces one count of criminal homicide, with bail set at $2 million.
On the evening of January 17, 2025, Iron County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a 911 call reporting gunfire targeting a vehicle.
Upon arrival at the intersection of Midvalley Road and 4300 West, law enforcement and Gold Cross Ambulance found a 17-year-old female driver critically injured inside her vehicle.
Deputies began life-saving efforts immediately while paramedics prepared for her transport to Cedar City Hospital.
Despite their combined efforts, the young victim tragically succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival.
Crime scene experts and investigators from the Iron County Sheriff’s Office quickly arrived to process the scene.
Early findings suggest the victim’s vehicle was being pursued by an unknown vehicle for several miles before the incident.
The suspect pulled alongside the victim’s car and fired multiple gunshots, striking the driver. This caused the victim to lose control of her vehicle, which left the roadway, crashing through a vinyl fence before coming to rest approximately 100 feet northwest of the intersection.
The Sheriff’s Office is actively seeking information from the public to aid in the investigation.
Between 10:15 PM and 11:00 PM, investigators believe a small red pickup truck was being followed closely by a dark-colored truck or SUV on Lund Highway near 1600 North and Midvalley Road or heading west on Midvalley Road toward the Three Peaks Campground area.
Witness accounts or surveillance footage of this activity could provide critical leads.
Additionally, residents or business owners along Lund Highway or Midvalley Road with surveillance camera footage from that time frame are encouraged to contact authorities.
If you have any information regarding this incident or footage, please contact the following numbers:
- Iron County Sheriff’s Office: 435-867-7500
- Cedar Dispatch (Non-Emergency): 435-586-9445
The Iron County Sheriff’s Office extends its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the victim during this difficult time. We also express our sincere gratitude to the Cedar City Police Department, Enoch City Police, the Department of Public Safety, Cedar City Fire Department, and the dedicated personnel of Gold Cross Ambulance for their quick response and assistance.
The Iron County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to ensuring public safety and pursuing justice for the victim. We ask for the community’s assistance in bringing the perpetrator to justice.