Three Men Arrested in Connection with Westmoreland County Man’s Disappearance and Death
Allegheny County police have announced the arrest of three men in connection with the disappearance and death of 57-year-old George Dayieb from Westmoreland County. The suspects have been identified as Jeremy Fisher, 41, of Coraopolis, William Fortuna, 58, of Conway, and Braden Elliott, 20, of Chicora. They are facing charges of criminal homicide, criminal conspiracy, and abuse of a corpse.
According to police reports, the homicide is believed to be linked to a business debt of nearly $440,000. Dayieb, who was reported missing and endangered by his significant other, had gone to meet Fisher to collect the debt. Fisher, Fortuna, and Elliott are accused of conspiring to kill Dayieb, with Fisher receiving a revolver from Fortuna and promising a diesel truck to Elliott in exchange for his help in the murder.
The investigation revealed that Dayieb was seen entering Fisher’s vehicle on the day of his disappearance, with Fortuna following in another truck. Elliott attempted to shoot Dayieb while they were on the road, but misfired. After fixing the gun at a gas station, Fisher gave the signal for Elliott to shoot Dayieb, which resulted in his death from a gunshot wound to the head. The suspects then reportedly transported Dayieb’s body to a camp in Clarion County, where it was discovered by state police after a search warrant was secured.
Fortuna was arrested in Conway, Beaver County, while Elliott was apprehended in Butler County. Fisher was taken into custody in Midway, Washington County. A preliminary hearing for Elliott has been scheduled for January 12, and the hearings for Fisher and Fortuna are pending announcement.
Authorities have not disclosed the whereabouts of the three suspects in custody. County police Assistant Superintendent Victor Joseph commended the detectives for their dedication to the case, stating, “holidays don’t matter” when it comes to investigating such crimes.