Crime
57-year-old Lori Wasko killed in Susquehanna County shooting, suspect Carmine Faino dead
SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY, PA — A deadly and chaotic shooting unfolded late Thursday morning in the borough of Thompson, leaving two Pennsylvania State Troopers injured, an EMT hurt, and two individuals dead, including the gunman.
According to investigators, the suspect—identified as 61-year-old Carmine Faino—fatally shot his next-door neighbor, Lori Wasko, 57, outside her home around 11:15 a.m. on Thursday, August 7.
Authorities believe the attack was unprovoked. Wasko’s boyfriend immediately contacted emergency services.
Responding to the 911 call, Pennsylvania State Troopers Joseph Perechinsky and William Jenkins were the first to arrive on the scene.
As they exited their patrol vehicles along Route 171, Faino ambushed them with a rifle, firing multiple rounds.
Trooper Perechinsky was shot twice in the chest, and Trooper Jenkins sustained gunshot wounds to both arms.
Two additional troopers arrived shortly after and were able to reach the wounded officers, facilitating their evacuation.
Both Perechinsky and Jenkins were airlifted to local hospitals and remain in stable condition.
During the standoff, officials observed Faino sitting atop a propane tank, raising serious concerns that he might attempt to use it as an explosive device.
Negotiators attempted to de-escalate the situation; however, when Faino was deemed an imminent threat, he was fatally shot by law enforcement.
An EMT responding to the initial emergency was also caught in the crossfire.
His vehicle was struck by gunfire, causing him to veer off the road and sustain injuries. His condition has not been disclosed.
Governor Josh Shapiro, who confirmed the incident during a scheduled event in Bucks County, later visited Trooper Perechinsky at Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton.
The governor praised Perechinsky’s actions, stating that his quick and decisive response “saved lives,” including that of his fellow trooper and civilians in the area.
“He acted decisively. He acted thoughtfully. And the work he did today exemplifies the absolute best of the Pennsylvania State Police,” Shapiro said.
Nikki Creps, a close acquaintance of Lori Wasko, told Channel2 NOW that Wasko was a deeply loved member of the community.
Creps expressed outrage, noting that the suspect was known to be a troubled individual and should have been incarcerated weeks earlier in connection with a prior home invasion.
Dave E. Carr Jr., who was present during the shooting, recounted a harrowing moment when a bullet narrowly missed his head as he watched troopers come under fire. Patrol vehicles were visibly damaged by gunfire, but Carr fortunately escaped unharmed.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are continuing to process the crime scene and interview witnesses.
Additional details are expected to be released during a press briefing at the Pennsylvania State Police Barracks in Dunmore.
CHEROKEE COUNTY, Kan. — A 23-year-old man from Riverton has died following a shooting at a rural property in Cherokee County, Kansas, and his 19-year-old brother has been booked into jail on a second-degree murder allegation, according to information released by authorities.
The victim was identified as Gannon Reece, 23, of Riverton, Kansas. The suspect was identified as Joshua Wilson, 19, also of Riverton, who is the victim’s brother.
According to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Wilson was booked into the Cherokee County Jail on suspicion of second-degree murder. Formal charges are expected to be submitted to the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office.
Authorities said the Cherokee County Emergency Communication Center received a 911 call on October 23, 2026, reporting that a person had been shot at 4971 SE 67th, in a rural area of Cherokee County.
Deputies were dispatched to the location to investigate the reported shooting.
When deputies arrived, they found a man suffering from gunshot wounds. Cherokee County Emergency Medical Services personnel examined the victim and determined that he had died.
The suspect, who authorities later identified as Joshua Wilson, was still at the scene when deputies arrived. Officers immediately detained him as the investigation began.
Authorities subsequently identified the deceased man as Gannon Reece and confirmed that Wilson was his younger brother.
Wilson was booked into the Cherokee County Jail in connection with Reece’s death on suspicion of second-degree murder.
According to the information provided by authorities, formal charges will be submitted to the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office. The available information does not specify whether prosecutors have formally filed the charges in court or whether Wilson has appeared before a judge.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish the circumstances that led to the shooting.
No details have been released about what preceded the incident, whether an argument occurred, or what may have motivated the shooting. Authorities have not provided information about a possible firearm recovery or any other evidence beyond the initial circumstances described in the report.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation with assistance from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office.
Investigators are working to determine the full circumstances surrounding Reece’s death and gather evidence relevant to the case.
Authorities have stated that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Officials also announced a temporary road closure affecting SE Lostine between Highway 69A and SE 60th.
Motorists were advised to use alternate routes until further notice while the closure remained in effect. The information provided did not specify when the roadway would reopen.
Drivers traveling through the area were encouraged to follow local traffic instructions and allow additional time for their journeys.
The fatal shooting has resulted in the death of a young Riverton resident and the arrest of his 19-year-old brother.
While authorities have identified both men and disclosed the booking allegation, several details remain unknown, including the events leading up to the shooting and the formal status of the prosecution.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and Cherokee County Attorney’s Office are continuing to investigate.
Joshua Wilson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.