Joshua Crawford

DONEGAL TWP — A neighbor of the man who police say fatally shot his wife Sunday night says he never saw any problems occurring at that East Slippery Rock Road residence.

Walter Wiles, who lives at 404 E. Slippery Rock Road, said there was no indication of any contension between Joshua Paladin Crawford and Sarah Crawford since they moved to 405 E. Slippery Road in July.

“I never had seen domestic disturbances,” Wiles said.

Crawford, 30, is charged with homicide and aggravated assault. He remains jailed in Butler County Prison without bail.

Wiles said any contact his family had with Crawford, who lived across the road, was congenial.

Once, Wiles used his tractor to mow Crawford's lawn, he said. After moving into the house, Crawford spoke to Wiles' daughter and grandson.

Crawford, who left early each morning and returned in the evening, would wave upon seeing Wiles.

“He looked like he was a hard worker,” Wiles said.

Because of Crawford's friendly demeanor and there being no indication of problems at the residence, Wiles was taken by surprise when told about the shooting.

“I was kind of shocked,” Wiles said.

According to prison officials, Crawford declined to be interviewed for this story.

The affidavit states Crawford and his wife got into a verbal argument in their home after 9 p.m. Sunday.

According to the affidavit, Crawford told police he initially tried to shoot himself with his hunting rifle, but it failed to discharge.

The affidavit states Crawford told police he then shot his wife while she yelled at him to shoot himself.

His preliminary hearing is set for Dec. 13 before District Judge Lewis Stoughton.