Butler woman allegedly shot man after argument, drove to rodeo grounds where man pronounced dead

BUTLER COUNTY, Pa. — Nineteen-year-old Jessica Callahan is locked up at the Butler County Prison without bail, charged with criminal homicide after allegedly shooting and killing 31-year-old Tyler Whitlatch.

Whitlatch’s family is now planning his funeral. His mother tells Channel 11, he was a wonderful, loving, son, brother, father, cousin and nephew. His friends call Whitlatch a kind-hearted, hardworking man who would give you the shirt off his back and loved life.

Pennsylvania State Police say this appears to have started as an argument between Whitlatch and the woman now charged in his death.

According to court documents, inside a home on Kohlmeyer Road in Venango Township, Butler County on Monday, “Callahan reported she was knocked into a dresser” by Whitlatch. She told police she retreated to the living room, and the “physical altercation continues where Whitlatch grabs Callahan by the throat.” Court documents go on to say: “Callahan related that she grabbed a shotgun from behind the living room couch and exited the residence.” She claims Whitlatch followed her out of the house.

Police paperwork says once both were outside, Callahan fired a warning shot into the air and after Whitlatch walked across the front lawn, crossed Kohlmeyer Road and was standing near a barn, she shot him in the back, and he collapsed.

Police say Callahan drove the wounded victim roughly 15 minutes away to the North Washington Rodeo grounds in Washington Township, Butler County, where she then called 9-1-1. Police say at that point, Whitlatch did not survive.

The police report did not specify how Whitlatch and Callahan knew each other or if they were in a relationship.

Woman killed; 3 students, driver hurt in crash involving school van in Dunbar Township

©2023 Cox Media Group