Police: Missing Indiana County teen was kidnapped and killed
BUSH VALLEY TOWNSHIP, Pa. (KDKA) — State police said a missing 19-year-old from Indiana County was kidnapped and killed after his body was found in a remote wooded area.
Police said Hayden Garreffa was reported missing from his grandmother's East Wheatfield Township home on Oct. 20. He was found dead two days later in Brush Valley Township. The coroner ruled Garreffa's death a homicide.
Investigators said they learned Garreffa was kidnapped and killed the day he went missing. Police say the suspects showed up at Garreffa's home and forced him into a van. Investigators say he was stabbed to death minutes later.
"Based on numerous interviews, it was determined Mr. Garreffa was coerced to leave his residence," trooper Cliff Greenfield said Tuesday. "And after being led into the van, he was led to an area in Brush Valley Township. He was then removed and assaulted and stabbed numerous times and was left in an area of tall weeds and brush."
Police say a dispute with one of the suspects was the reason for the kidnapping.
"On Saturday, Oct. 22, utilizing critical details obtained during interviews, located Mr. Garreffa's body in a remote area along Oneida Mine Road in Brush Valley approximately two miles from his grandmother's home," Greenfield said.
Isaac Joel Buchkosk, 21, 18-year-old Summer Settlemyer, 18-year-old Mia Catalfano, 18-year-old Jesse Lee Wadsworth, 20-year-old Thomas Rivera, 18-year-old Tatjana Edwards and a 14-year-old who was not named are facing kidnapping charges. They are being held without bond.
Indiana County District Attorney Robert Manzi Jr. says homicide charges are pending.