NIAGARA FALLS —
Pennsylvania State Police are investigating the murder of a former Niagara Falls police officer in what is being described as a “domestic violence incident.”
Troopers were called to a home on South Norrisville Road in Hayfield Township, Crawford County, south of Erie, Pa. just before 10 a.m. Tuesday. Once there, they discovered the body of Anthony “Tony” Oliver.
Oliver had been shot once in the chest by a blast from a shotgun. Neighbors reported hearing a single shot coming from Oliver’s home just before police received the call of the shooting.
Pennsylvania State Police investigators arrested and charged Oliver’s wife, Patricia, 53, with one count of criminal homicide. Investigators say she fired a single blast from a 12-gauge shotgun as the couple argued in their home.
She was arraigned and pleaded not guilty to the charge. A judge ordered her jailed without bail.
“It stemmed from what appeared to be a domestic dispute (that) escalated into her discharging a firearm and killing him,” said Sgt. Mark Zaleski, a Pennsylvania State Police spokesman.
Oliver’s body was found on the bedroom floor of their home. Police said the apparent murder weapon was recovered at the scene.
Investigators said they were continuing to explore the details of the couple's argument. They declined to say whether there was any history of domestic violence involving the couple.
Oliver, 63, was a Traffic Division officer for the Falls Police. He retired from the force about 15 years ago.
“During his tenure as a Niagara Falls police officer, he was a good street cop who worked hard to ensure the safety of the public,” Falls Police Superintendent John Chella said.
Chella said he learned of Oliver’s death Tuesday afternoon after investigators in Pennsylvania contacted local law enforcement agencies seeking information about Oliver.
After retiring from the Falls force, Oliver took a management position with Modern Corporation. In 2004, he was fired from there following reports of sexual improprieties.
In July 2004, in a deal with Niagara County prosecutors, Oliver pleaded guilty to a charge of sexual abuse stemming from the employment incident. As a result of that plea, Oliver became a registered sex offender
Contact reporter Rick Pfeiffer at 282-2311, ext. 2252. Reporters from the Meadville. Pa. Tribune contributed to this story.
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