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Criminal complaint: Richland Twp. Man claims 'arch angel' told him to kill grandmother

RICHLAND TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Police said a 26-year-old man stabbed his grandmother to death inside of a Richland Township home Tuesday morning and according to the criminal complaint, an "arch angel" told him to do it.

Investigators said the incident happened at a home on Gibsonia Road about 9:30 a.m.

Northern Regional Police Chief T. Robert Amann said Levi Staver came out of the basement and stabbed his grandmother, 76-year-old Constance Johnston, in the back. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

“The actor’s grandmother and grandfather were sitting at the kitchen table eating breakfast. He came up from the downstairs area of the home, walked behind the grandmother and stabbed her in the back while she was eating,” Amann said.

Police said Starver lived at the home with his mother and grandparents. Officers said they have been called to the family's home in the past, but did not specify why.

According to the criminal complaint, Staver told police that "he was in his bedroom on the computer when the 'arch angel' directed him to kill the witch."

The criminal complaint went on to quote Staver as saying, "if the arch angel wants me to do something I just do it."

Richland Township residents said Johnston was well-known in the local church community because her husband was a retired minister.

Staver was charged with criminal homicide and is being held at the Allegheny County Jail.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 22.