In a tragic turn of events that shook the small community of Snydertown, Pennsylvania, 59-year-old James 'Jim' Dicken, a male resident, lost his life in a violent encounter on June 9, 2021. The incident, which unfolded at a home on Snydertown Road, also claimed the lives of 58-year-old Susan Williams and 17-year-old John Paul Dicken, leaving the community in mourning over the triple homicide.
The investigation into the deaths quickly led authorities to a suspect, 23-year-old Matthew
Reed. According to state police, the motive behind the killings was a dispute over a car. Investigators believe that Reed had intended to purchase a 1997 Toyota Camry from the victims. However, upon learning that the vehicle was being sold to someone else, Reed allegedly went to the residence with the intent to steal the car, armed with a gun in case of a confrontation.
An argument ensued, during which Reed reportedly 'snapped' and began shooting, fatally wounding all three individuals at the home. Following the shootings, Reed fled the scene with the Toyota Camry. The vehicle was later discovered at the Sunbury boat launch. Reed was subsequently located and arrested at the Haven Ministry Center, a homeless shelter where he had been residing.
Matthew Reed was arraigned and faced a series of serious charges, including three counts of homicide, robbery, and illegal possession of a firearm. The community was left to grapple with the senseless violence that resulted in the deaths of three of its members over a dispute that escalated to a tragic and irreversible conclusion.
