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Jacob Bechtel

Death by Force
Case Description
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Jacob Bechtel, a three-year-old boy from Morea, Pennsylvania, tragically lost his life on August 15, 2002. He was the son of Raienhna P. Bechtel and Michael Harley Bechtel. Jacob's death was part of a horrific incident that also claimed the lives of his mother, Raienhna, aged 22, and two of her friends, Kristen L. Tragus, aged 34, and David Barkus, aged 30.

The incident occurred at the Bechtel family home in Morea, Mahanoy Township. Michael Harley Bechtel, who was 26 years old at the time ...Read More
Links to Additional Sources (5)
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  • The Morning Call: Schuylkill man admits killing four ** Gets life for shooting estranged wife, son, and two others in 2002.
  • Bechtels, Tragus & Barkus PA 08-15-2002
    •     ...View 3 additional sources
    Victim Details

    Jacob Bechtel

    Male

    Morea

    PA

    2002-08-15

    3

    Jacob

    Bechtel

    11/26/2025

    Forum Posts (3)
    Hey everyone,
    I came across this case recently, and it's just so difficult to wrap my mind around... ...Read More
    05/13/2024
    I’ve been thinking a lot about the role mental health can play in these tragic situations, and it ... ...Read More
    10/02/2023
    I’ve been thinking a lot about the tragedy in Morea and how communities often miss the warning sig... ...Read More
    07/22/2023
    Other Cases from Morea, Pennsylvania

    David Barkus

    Death: Aug 15, 2002
    David Barkus, a 30-year-old male from Morea, Pennsylvania, tragically lost his life on August 15, 20 2 ...Read More