Boyfriend charged with homicide in disappearance of woman

BUTLER COUNTY, Pa. — Days after she disappeared, officials are still searching for a Butler County woman who was reported missing Thursday afternoon by her family.

Pennsylvania State Police said they believe 26-year-old Melissa Barto was killed. Her boyfriend, Ishemer Ramsey, was arrested and charged on Sunday with criminal homicide and tampering with evidence. %

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Sources told Channel 11 News that police received tips about Ramsey. When officers pulled him over, they found evidence of a crime including blood inside the car, the passenger front seat missing, carpet missing and an overwhelming odor of bleach in the car.

Police said Ramsey was in possession of a .45-caliber handgun.

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Police said Ramsey immediately asked for an attorney and would not talk. Detective found surveillance video of Ramsey at a car wash cleaning out his vehicle, as well as video at a store buying rope and a tarp.

Barto, who is a mother, was last seen getting into a car under the Picklegate Crossing bridge along Route 8 in Lyndora. Barto's family members said they are devastated and hope police find her quickly.

State police are actively searching for Barto. Anyone with information is asked to call police.

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