Tragic Workplace Shooting at Scranton Lowe’s: Employee Charged with Murder
Scranton, Pennsylvania — A late-night shift at a Lowe’s home improvement store turned tragic when Christopher Wasnetsky, 36, allegedly shot and killed his coworker Jeff Moeller, 44, as he operated a forklift. The incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. Saturday, igniting a tense police response and raising serious questions about workplace safety.
Details of the Incident
According to a criminal complaint obtained by local news sources, Wasnetsky opened fire on Moeller, inflicting critical injuries. Officers found Moeller with two gunshot wounds to the head and another to his back. Despite immediate medical attention, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving at Geisinger Community Medical Center.
Wasnetsky did not evade responsibility; he reportedly admitted to having called 911, notifying the operator he was the shooter. He also confessed in an email to Lowe’s human resources before the attack, outlining his intentions and alluding to ongoing harassment he alleged he suffered from Moeller, which he claimed management failed to address.
History of Harassment Claims
In a troubling revelation, Wasnetsky told investigators that he had been harassed by Moeller at work and had taken steps to document his grievances. He expressed frustration over what he perceived as a lack of action from management regarding his complaints.
The suspect’s forewarning email indicated a premeditated intent, as he stated that the shooting could have been averted if his earlier concerns had been taken seriously. Prior to the incident, Wasnetsky claimed he had practiced target shooting at home with his Springfield 9 mm handgun.
The Aftermath
Witnesses described Moeller’s last moments as deeply tragic. He reportedly pleaded for help after being shot, falling from the forklift. Wasnetsky claimed he shot Moeller twice more to end his suffering, yet he also indicated he had initially planned to commit suicide but ultimately decided against it.
Wasnetsky has been charged with both first and third-degree murder and is being held without bail at the Lackawanna County Prison. A preliminary hearing is set for June 30.
Following Moeller’s death, a GoFundMe page was established to support his family. He is remembered fondly as a devoted father of three daughters and a hardworking husband. His coworker, Kassie Sierra, reflected on his character, stating, “If you knew Jeffrey, you knew he had the softest heart & the loudest laugh.”
Community Response
This incident has left the local community in shock, raising questions about workplace safety and mental health. Many have come forward to express their condolences and remember Moeller as a loving family man who had recently begun reconnecting with his faith.
Further updates will follow as this story develops.
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