Jail Escape Under Scrutiny by District Attorney
Armstrong County District Attorney Scott Andreassi was accompanied by (L-R) Armstrong County Commissioner Chair David Battaglia, Sheriff Bill Rupert, Pennsylvania State Police Troop D Commanding Officer Steve Ignatz and Coroner Brian Myers at a press conference Friday morning when describing Robert Crissman’s arrest.
Armstrong County District Attorney Scott Andreassi announced yesterday that his office will be conducting an investigation into the events surrounding the escape of inmate Robert Crissman last week.
Crissman, in jail because of a probation violation - a self-described heroin addict, escaped from the Rayburn Township facility early Thursday morning during breakfast.
“It is essential that we determine exactly what occurred the morning of July 30 that allowed inmate Robert Crissman to escape from the jail. We will be examining all of the internal aspects and policies of the prison that led to Crissman’s escape – criteria for becoming a trustee, who determines trustee status, trustee duties, etc,” Andreassi said in a news release.
“In addition, we will examine the exact set of facts that led to Crissman’s escape, including supervision of the inmate trustees at the time of the incident.
Andreassi expected a full report to be issued at the conclusion of the investigation and recommendations be presented to the Prison Board – led by County Commissioner Richard Fink and also consisting of the other two county commissioners, Sheriff Bill Rupert, Andreassi and Controller Myra Miller.
“Accountability demands that this investigation occur,” Andreassi concluded.
Before his capture, Crissman is suspected of murdering Tammy Long.
Coroner Brian Myers said autopsy results found that Long died due to strangulation, as well as blunt force trauma to the head. Criminal documents say Crissman hit Long repeatedly with a ceramic toilet bowl lid before strangling her with string in the bathroom.
According to criminal documents filed within District Magisterial Judge James Owen’s office, Crissman is charged with criminal homicide and murder for Long’s death, the theft of Long’s maroon Chevrolet Silverado, aggravated assault for injuring Trooper James Karlo’s hand Friday morning, theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and escape – all felony counts.
The investigation will be conducted by Assistant District Attorney Katie Charlton, who will be assisted by County Detectives Paul Rearick, Franklin Roofner, Robin Davis and Charles Edwards.
Local News | KP NewsDesk August 5, 2015
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By wonderwhy, August 5, 2015 @ 8:18 AM
I have been seeing a lot of pictures and news stories of the DA due to this escapee. Where is the rest of the time. He is never at the courthouse anymore. He does not do his job. He is planning on running for Judge one day. Looking for votes? This isn’t the first time problems at this jail have occurred. How about the suicides under this wardens watch!
By jorn jensen, August 5, 2015 @ 8:25 AM
I immediately pointed this out on the KP - this country club needs reeled in and made back into a jail. End this trustee ‘softie’ approach to dealing with inmates. It is a jail.
This is the least that the ‘system’ owes Tammy Long.
Had there been no murder - just an inmate ‘walking away’, this whole thing would have never made the news or having anyone taking any action of any kind.
In the Daily Dispatch, a commissioner was quoted as saying that the jail board has not yet had time to meet on this situation - that they will meet today, Wednesday, 6 days after the escape and murder. Must be very busy, important people. They could have met Friday, Saturday, Sunday - this is a critical situation. Obviously someone recognized that by having the actor locked up in Butler rather than Armstrong. Kudos for that decision.
By lowfatlowcarbnosugarcheesecake, August 5, 2015 @ 12:23 PM
I agree with both of you for once!
The DA is way too soft on crime in this region, and so are the judges. Everyone in Kittanning is buddy buddy and too comfortable in my opinion. It’s time to get rid of all of the trash!
Ever walk down the streets and why it is so wretched? The gentlemen up at the courthouse are partially to blame for that! Did you ever notice that a lot of people that are in the papers are REPEAT offenders? I’m not talking about once or twice- the guy who escaped jail had a whole laundry list of crimes committed and he was essentially let go or had a small slap on the wrist every time. The DA and the judges who let this happen have blood on their hands and they should be ASHAMED of what they have done to this area.