Man arrested, charged with murder after Rostraver woman killed hours into new year

ROSTRAVER, Pa. — A 25-year-old man was arrested after police said he shot twice into a woman’s car and killed her hours into the new year.

Anthony Montel Hairston was charged with first-degree murder, gun charges and driving with a suspended license.

Investigators said Hairston was following closely behind 59-year-old Holly Vandella’s vehicle as she drove home after spending New Year’s Eve with her family. Police said Hairston passed her before shooting twice into her vehicle.

Officials said Vandella was hit once and died at the scene.

Hairston was taken to the Westmoreland County Prison and his bail was denied.

“We can’t put anything on Vandella’s vehicle specific to say that was rage on her part in any way. So rage, yes from the act of the defendant, but to characterize it as road rage, we can’t at this point,” said Chief John Christner with Rostraver Police. “Callous. Without question. You don’t have to be a psychologist or an investigator of many years to say as such. Very callous.”

Witnesses said Hairston was in a hurry to get to a bar and Vandella was driving slowly on Route 201.

Could the loud booms heard and felt Saturday been from a meteor?

©2022 Cox Media Group