Wilkinsburg man charged after woman found dead in car in washington township — Police light

PLUM, PA – A Wilkinsburg man is facing homicide charges after a woman was discovered dead inside a vehicle in neighboring Westmoreland County, authorities said.

Police said the body of 66-year-old Jacqueline Pryber was found covered with blankets and a duffle bag in a car parked outside a home on Turkey Ridge Road on Monday afternoon.

Investigators quickly determined the killing took place in Allegheny County before the vehicle was moved across the county line.

Victim found in vehicle

Washington Township Police were first alerted around 2 p.m. after receiving information about a possible homicide and the location of the suspect’s vehicle. When officers arrived, they found Pryber’s body inside the car and immediately contacted county detectives.

The Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office requested assistance from the Allegheny County Police Homicide Unit once evidence suggested the crime scene was in Plum Borough.

Suspect taken into custody

Detectives allege that 62-year-old Shawn Higgins of Wilkinsburg fatally struck Pryber multiple times while the two were inside his vehicle along the 9000 block of Saltsburg Road in Plum. He was later arrested and charged with criminal homicide.

Higgins is being held at the Allegheny County Jail as the investigation continues. Police have not released a motive but confirmed no other suspects are being sought at this time.

Key Points

Jacqueline Pryber, 66, was found dead inside a vehicle in Washington Township.
Investigators say Shawn Higgins killed Pryber in Plum before moving the car.
Higgins, 62, is charged with criminal homicide and held in the Allegheny County Jail.

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