Steven Patrick Rebert

Serial Killer

Steven Patrick Rebert: Convicted Double Murderer and Suspected Serial Killer

Background

Steven Patrick Rebert was born in 1965 and grew up in the Oakfield area of western New York. As an adult, he lived in several communities in Pennsylvania, including Coudersport and Emporium. He worked for a time in the telecommunications industry and was familiar with rural areas across northern Pennsylvania and western New York. Rebert became the focus of a major homicide investigation after an elderly married couple was found murdered inside their home near Brockway, Pennsylvania, in April 2010. The evidence collected during that investigation led not only to his conviction for the couple's deaths but also to renewed scrutiny of two previously unsolved shootings in western New York. Although Rebert was convicted of murdering two people during the same criminal episode, investigators identified him as the prime suspect or a person of interest in two additional killings separated by several years. Those suspicions caused him to be described as a possible serial killer. He has not, however, been convicted of the New York homicides, and those cases must be distinguished from the Pennsylvania murders proven in court.

The Murders of Wayne and Vicky Shugar

James Wayne Shugar and his wife, Victoria "Vicky" Shugar, both 61, lived along Coal Tipple Road in Snyder Township near Brockway, Pennsylvania. The couple operated a flower shop and were well known in the surrounding community. Wayne Shugar had also worked as a foreman at a glass manufacturing plant before retiring. During the weekend of April 10 and April 11, 2010, someone entered the Shugars' residence and shot both victims multiple times. Their bodies were discovered inside the home on April 12. The condition of the scene showed that the killings were connected to a burglary and robbery rather than an accidental confrontation. Investigators determined that money and collectible currency had been taken from the residence. The Shugars were known to possess unusual coins and paper currency, some of which they collected or gave as gifts. Police later found currency in Rebert's possession that closely matched the types associated with the victims. Evidence also showed that internet searches concerning collectible currency were conducted on Rebert's computer shortly after the period in which the murders occurred. Investigators viewed those searches as significant because they suggested that someone was attempting to determine the nature or value of property taken from the Shugar home. One of the most damaging pieces of physical evidence was blood discovered on Rebert's boots. Testing connected the blood to the victims. Prosecutors also presented testimony from a jail inmate who claimed that Rebert had discussed the killings while in custody. Although the defense challenged the credibility of the inmate, the prosecution argued that the testimony was supported by independent physical and circumstantial evidence. ...

Confirmed Victims: (2)

Wayne Shugar Age: (61), Date of Death: 2010-04-12

Suspected Victims:

Bill Fickel Age: (46), Date of Death: 2005-11-10

Kevin M. Smith Age: (47), Date of Death: 2007

Convicted killed Steven Rebert files appeal; Alleges rights violated