A coordinated effort is being developed between area and Baltimore police officials as an alleged killer remains on the loose.
Blair County District Attorney Dave Gorman said the hunt for Andre Staton, 36, whose last known address was 1304 First Avenue, Altoona, continues today. Staton is wanted for the Wednesday morning stabbing death of his former girlfriend Beverly Yohn.
Gorman stated the suspect does have family in the Baltimore area.
“We’ve (notified) Baltimore law enforcement officials of the case and of Mr. Staton’s previous known addresses, assuming he’s fled to the Baltimore area,” Gorman told The Daily News in a telephone interview. “We’ve also faxed them a copy of the arrest warrant.”
Investigators report that Staton showed up at the Third Avenue, Altoona home of Yohn’s mother — with whom Yohn and her three children were staying — at just after 8 a.m. Wednesday. According to police, Staton proceeded to break into the first floor apartment, approached Yohn, then began to stab her with a large butcher knife while her two younger children, ages 6 and 9, looked on.
Gorman said while Yohn did apparently try to escape, she was unable and collapsed inside the home.
“She was attempting to get away from Mr. Staton, but could not,” Gorman said. “We believe she was taken by surprise.
“There is a window to the right of the door he kicked in to gain entry, but we’re not sure if she saw him come in.”
Police said Staton quickly left the house after the attack and took off in Yohn’s car, a 1991 Chrysler LeBaron. Gorman said the car was already running.
“Just prior to the attack, the victim had asked her 10-year-old son to go outside and start her car,” Gorman said. “She was getting ready to take her children to school.
“The 10-year-old was still outside when the attack occurred,” he continued. “When Mr. Staton came outside, he apparently pushed the victim’s oldest son out of the way and took the car.”
Gorman said the vehicle has since been found, but without it’s last known driver.
“The LeBaron was found abandoned last evening,” he explained. “Someone saw it on the news and reported it to us.”
Gorman said “informants” told police Staton could now be traveling in a red car. No make or model was given.
According to Blair County coroner Patricia Ross, Yohn suffered from 11 stab wounds — seven to the chest and four to the back. Ross said the knife blade eventually broke off inside her. A full autopsy was scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday morning, to be performed by Conemaugh forensic pathologist Dr. Vimal Mittal, in Johnstown.
A protection from abuse order was filed by Yohn against Staton in Blair County Jan. 27. A final order was issued just last week. Yohn told authorities Staton had threatened to kill her on “numerous occasions.”
Gorman said the Blair County sheriff had not be able to serve the final order.
“We believe Staton was aware of the PFA order,” he said, “but after making numerous attempts, sheriff’s deputies had been unable to serve him at his home. They believe he was inside but was just not coming to the door.”
Gorman said Crime Solvers of Blair County has offered a reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to Staton’s arrest. Meanwhile, he warned, residents should use caution.
“He’s to be considered extremely dangerous,” Gorman noted. “If he’s seen, he should not be approached. People should instead contact local police.
“We fully intend to seek the death penalty in this case,” he added. “We want the public to know every resource is being used to locate this fugitive.”
