SMITH TOWNSHIP, Pa. — An arrest warrant has been filed for a 37-year-old West Virginia man accused of killing a local mother and injuring her son during a violent home invasion in Washington County.
State police confirmed Michael Pyles is charged with homicide and attempted homicide in the June shooting of 37-year-old Renee Lynn Gill and her son. Gill died at the scene; her son survived.
Police were called to Gill’s Smith Township home June 16 just after 1 a.m. Investigators say two masked men dressed in black clothing, gloves and ski masks forced their way inside.
According to the criminal complaint, Gill’s son told police he heard his mother arguing downstairs and went to investigate. He found two masked intruders and tried to intervene —and was shot in the hand.
Gill was shot once before the men ran out of the home and into a waiting car. 911 dispatchers were reportedly able to speak with her in her final moments before she died.
State police believe the second suspect was romantically involved with Gill and helped plan the burglary that turned deadly. Detectives say Facebook messages and texts between Gill and the second suspect were key to their investigation.
Police have also identified a woman who they say drove the masked men to Gill’s house that night.
Pyles now faces more than a dozen charges, including homicide, attempted homicide, burglary and theft.
That second suspect has been identified, and sources tell Channel 11 more charges are expected in the coming days.
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