According to The Citizen’s Voice, 27-year-old William Hunter Snyder (pictured) has been charged with criminal homicide in connection with the shooting death of John Rabbitz Jr. on January 22. The victim was proudly serving as a member of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, emphasizing the tragic loss to both his family and the community.

As detailed in the criminal complaint, Snyder arrived at Rabbitz’s residence shortly before 5:30 PM last Tuesday. He knocked on the door, and without warning, fired multiple shots at the victim, striking him twice in the chest. Despite his critical condition, Rabbitz managed to call 911. Although he initially did not recognize his assailant, he later identified ?Hunter Snyder? when asked if anyone had a motive to harm him, illustrating the shocking nature of the attack.

When questioned about the motive behind the shooting, Rabbitz mentioned that Snyder and he had issues ?over a woman,? revealing the deeply personal and tragic motivations behind this violent encounter. Sadly, Rabbitz succumbed to his injuries shortly after paramedics transported him for treatment, marking a devastating end to a conflict that could have been resolved peacefully.

It appears Rabbitz was all too aware of Snyder’s concerning behavior leading up to the shooting incident. Reports indicate that Snyder had allegedly been in communication with Rabbitz’s girlfriend, with whom he had a brief relationship in October 2024. This connection likely exacerbated tensions, leading to the violent confrontation that took place just days later.

Messages obtained in the complaint through The Standard Speaker reveal that Snyder began sending increasingly desperate texts and Snapchats to the woman on Sunday, expressing feelings of hopelessness and stating that his life was ?meaningless? without her. Such alarming messages highlight the potential dangers of emotional instability and possessiveness in relationships.

In his messages, Snyder allegedly wrote, ?I know you miss me, and I know you still love me.? He went on to claim that their connection was stronger than anything he had ever experienced, expressing a desperate desire to prove his worthiness to her. These messages underscore the intense emotional turmoil he was experiencing, indicative of a man struggling with rejection and isolation.

In response to her reluctance, Snyder allegedly replied, ?Why can?t you? You can do anything! You know it in your heart. You know I?m your person. We?re meant for so much more together.? His insistence suggests a troubling level of obsession, indicating that he may have been unable to accept the end of their relationship.

Furthermore, he reportedly texted her, ?Nothing is ever going to stop me from pursuing you. How am I supposed to remain great when every day without you drags me deeper into darkness?? Such statements reflect a dangerous mindset, where love turns into an obsession, blurring the lines between affection and compulsion.

In light of Snyder’s alarming behavior, his ex-girlfriend and Rabbitz made the prudent decision to install security cameras at their homes. One of these cameras reportedly captured Snyder dropping off a coffee press at her residence on January 17, just days prior to the fatal shooting, further indicating his intrusive behavior during this tense period.

Snyder was arrested on January 22, arraigned the following day, and is currently being held without bail as he awaits a preliminary hearing scheduled for March 7. This case has garnered significant public attention, raising concerns about domestic violence and the necessity for protective measures in such volatile situations.

State police confirmed that Snyder was indeed a trooper, with his employment ending in May 2023. This background raises questions about the suitability of individuals in positions of authority and the potential risks posed when personal issues escalate.

Previously, Snyder faced charges for stalking and harassment. Reports from The Standard Speaker indicate that he allegedly attempted to contact another ex-girlfriend over 100 times through phone calls, texts, and fake social media accounts after their breakup. Following an incident where he showed up at her residence in 2023, he was charged with harassment, highlighting a troubling pattern of obsessive behavior.

After these incidents, he reportedly received probation and was ordered to pay $1,144 in fines, but the effectiveness of such measures in curbing his behavior remains questionable, especially in light of the recent violent outburst.