Crime
South Carolina Man Arrested in Fatal Shooting of Girlfriend in Rostraver
ROSTRAVER TOWNSHIP, PA – Authorities have arrested a man in connection with the fatal shooting of a woman inside a Westmoreland County home late Wednesday night.
According to Rostraver Township Police, officers responded to a 911 call made by children inside the home at 980 State Route 136 at approximately 10:52 p.m. regarding a woman who had been shot.
Upon arrival, officers encountered Robert Chaplin, who was standing outside the residence. Police noted that Chaplin appeared highly intoxicated.
As he was taken into custody, he allegedly made a spontaneous statement to officers, saying, “Give me some respect, it was an accident.”
Inside the residence, police discovered Estela Rivera Vasquez lying unresponsive on the basement floor.
She was immediately transported to a nearby hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
During their investigation, authorities recovered a spent shell casing in the driveway and located a firearm inside the basement.
According to the criminal complaint, Chaplin later told investigators, “I didn’t mean to shoot her,” before exclaiming, “I accidentally killed my girlfriend.”
Chaplin has been formally charged with criminal homicide. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not released further details regarding the events leading up to the shooting.
Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office or Rostraver Township Police.
Authorities are investigating a fatal stabbing that occurred near Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on Friday night, leaving a 27-year-old man dead after being attacked by a group of individuals.
According to the New York Police Department (NYPD) and sources close to the investigation, the victim, identified as Michael Arguy Hernandez Jr., was walking near the intersection of Flatbush Avenue and Atlantic Avenue when he was ambushed by a group of four people.
During the attack, Hernandez sustained a stab wound to the chest and multiple stab wounds to his back around 9:00 p.m.
Despite his injuries, Hernandez managed to walk a short distance before collapsing at the corner of Flatbush Avenue and Atlantic Avenue, where responding emergency personnel found him.
He was transported to NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
A local resident, whose apartment overlooks the scene, reported hearing screams at the time of the attack but initially dismissed them, believing it to be teenagers making noise earlier in the evening.
Hernandez’s grieving family has since spoken out about their devastating loss, remembering him as a bright and compassionate young man who was deeply devoted to his family. His mother, in a heartfelt plea, described her son as someone with a passion for technology and video games, adding that “he loved his family above all else.”
The NYPD has confirmed that no arrests have been made, and the suspects remain at large.
Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward.
A fundraiser has been organized to assist with Hernandez’s funeral expenses, with his family expressing gratitude for any support as they navigate this unimaginable tragedy.
“Justice will be served for my son,” his mother declared. “Heaven has gained an angel.”
Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).