CLEARFIELD – The suspect in a local murder/man hunt died Tuesday night from self-inflicted injuries, Clearfield County District Attorney Ryan P. Sayers and Lawrence Township police confirmed on Wednesday afternoon.
Police say that Anthony Boone, 36, of Howard shot 40-year-old Rebecca Solt of Clearfield approximately three or four times, killing her Aug. 27 in the 2100 block of Legion Road in Hyde and resulting in a nearly 24-hour manhunt.
The manhunt ended at approximately 2 p.m. Aug. 28 when Boone was found armed on Hogback Road in Pike Township, according to previously-published GANT News reports.
He ignored police commands to drop his firearm, a .308 hunting rifle, and then shot himself in the chest/shoulder area. Boone was ultimately transported by ambulance to UPMC Altoona where he remained in serious condition.
“The medical professionals at UPMC Altoona determined that, despite their best efforts, Anthony Boone would not be able to recover from his self-inflicted gunshot wound,” Sayers said. “Due to that determination, Mr. Boone was removed from life-support and passed away shortly thereafter.”
Boone was charged by Sgt. Julie Curry of the Lawrence Township police with criminal homicide, aggravated assault and related offenses.
The shooting was reported to police at 3:20 p.m. Aug. 27, according to the affidavit of probable cause filed with the office of Magisterial District Judge Mike Morris.
Multiple calls were also received by the Clearfield County 911 Center, which advised the male suspect had fled in a vehicle towards Village Road.
Officer Levi Olson was the first to arrive on-scene, and found the victim slouched over a swing in the backyard. He attempted life-saving efforts with assistance from a civilian.
However, Solt was later pronounced dead by Chief Deputy Coroner Gill Stevenson and the scene was secured by Olson and Officer Nick Kovalick.
A witness told police she was seated in front of the garage when she heard a scream and saw a male with a large firearm. She said he aimed the firearm at Solt, and started firing.
She said Boone was the victim’s estranged boyfriend and father of her youngest child, and there was an active Protection from Abuse (PFA) order in place.
The witness said she also saw a text-message conversation between Boone and Solt in which he allegedly stated: “When I find you, I will [expletive] kill you.”
In the affidavit, Curry noted that the victim previously resided with Boone but had moved out two to three months ago due to a “history of abuse.”
A second witness said she heard three or four gunshots, ran out of the residence and saw a station wagon type of vehicle back out of the grassy area between the residence and a line of shrubbery.
“While Mr. Boone will not get to answer for his crimes in a courtroom in Clearfield County, I believe that justice will prevail when he gets his eternal sentence from the Great Judge,” said Sayers.
“I would like to again commend the hard work, cooperation and dedication of our local law enforcement agencies and first responders, especially Lawrence Township police and the Pennsylvania State Police.
“Also, a particular thanks to and recognition of Sgt. Julie Curry from Lawrence Township police who was the point person on this homicide case.”