GREENSBURG, PA — Charges of witness intimidation, retaliation, and criminal conspiracy against Anthony Hairston, a Westmoreland County man convicted of third-degree murder, were held for court on Tuesday.
Hairston, 29, was convicted in November for the 2022 shooting death of Holly Vadella in Rostraver Township, where he fired into Vadella’s vehicle on New Year’s Eve, killing her. Prosecutors allege that while incarcerated for the homicide, Hairston directed his girlfriend, Aimee Miller, to post sensitive investigative information to his Facebook page, which included details about the firearm allegedly used in the murder.
According to county detectives, the transcription, which included information from Hairston’s ex-girlfriend during the investigation, was publicly shared in August after Hairston instructed Miller in a recorded prison call to upload it. Investigators say the post left the witness feeling threatened, as it could have put her and her family’s safety at risk.
The charges against Hairston and Miller, filed in October, were based on evidence collected from prison calls and video communications reviewed by detectives. Prosecutors argued that the Facebook post and its implications demonstrated an effort to retaliate against and intimidate a key witness in the murder case.
A magisterial district judge ruled there was sufficient evidence to advance the case to trial, where Hairston and Miller will face the criminal allegations.
The case highlights the increasing scrutiny on social media’s role in criminal proceedings and witness safety.
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