CLEARFIELD – Clearfield County District Attorney, William A. Shaw, Jr., announced that charges have been filed against two individuals in relation to an attempted murder and two arsons in Clearfield County.
Shaw identified the defendants as Deanna Nevel, age 30, of Trolley Street, Winburne, and Hilmer Harris, age 20, of Loch Lomond Road, Philipsburg.
On April 9, 2012, Cp. Charles Gross of the Pennsylvania State Police, Punxsutawney Barracks, filed criminal complaints charging Nevel and Harris with: 1) criminal attempt to commit murder, 3 counts; 2) criminal conspiracy to commit murder, 6 counts; 3) criminal attempt to commit criminal homicide, 3 counts; 4) criminal conspiracy to commit criminal homicide, 6 counts; 5) arson, F1/F2, 4 counts; 6) criminal conspiracy to commit arson, F1/F2, 2 counts; and 7) recklessly endangering another person, M2, 3 counts.
An affidavit of probable cause filed with the complaints provides that in November 2010 the Pennsylvania State Police began an investigation into an arson that occurred at the Baney Trailer Park in Decatur Township. Upon investigation, it was found that on Nov. 3, 2010, a mobile home located at 116 Baney Road was intentionally set on fire. At the time of the fire, the mobile home was occupied by Phyllis Witherite, Michael Maines, and James Nevel. All three occupants escaped the fire unharmed.
Additionally, it was found that there was a second fire on Nov. 3, 2010, at a two-story residence located in Boggs Township. The residence was owned by William Nevel, the father of James Nevel. It was found that the structure was also intentionally set on fire, and there were no occupants inside at the time of its ignition.
Upon further investigation by the State Police, it was found that Deanna Nevel, Hilmer Harris, and another individual were involved in the planning and starting of the two fires. Police reports indicate that the fires were set in an effort to kill James Nevel because he had filed court documents seeking custody of children that James Nevel has with Deanna Nevel.
Shaw stated that both Nevel and Harris were picked up by the State Police and taken to District Magisterial judge Jerome Nevling for a preliminary arraignment. Nevling set bail at $1,000,000.00 each for both Nevel and Harris who remain incarcerated in the Clearfield County jail. Preliminary hearings for both Nevel and Harris are set for April 18, 2012.
Shaw thanked the Pennsylvania State Police for their hard work and assistance with this case.
Anyone with knowledge of a crime is asked to call Clearfield County Crime Stoppers at 800-376-4700. All calls to Crime Stoppers are confidential.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted by visiting the Clearfield County District Attorney Web site and selecting “Report A Crime”.
