A former Pennsylvania State Police trooper is now facing murder charges after allegedly killing his ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend. The victim, moments before his death, identified the ex-trooper as his alleged killer.
According to The Citizen’s Voice, a 27-year-old man named William Hunter Snyder has been accused of committing criminal homicide in connection with the shooting death of John Rabbitz Jr. on January 22. It is worth mentioning that the victim was a member of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.
According to the criminal complaint, Snyder arrived at Rabbitz’s house just before 5:30 p.m. last Tuesday, knocked on the door, and then fired multiple bullets at the victim, who was struck twice in the chest. The victim was able to contact 911; while he informed the officers that he did not recognize the individual who shot him, he identified himself as “Hunter Snyder” when asked if anyone wanted to harm him.
According to his statement, he mentioned that the two individuals had a conflict “over a girl.” Unfortunately, Rabbitz passed away shortly after he was transported from the location by paramedics for medical assistance.
The Investigation Into Snyder
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According to The Standard Speaker, the complaint revealed that Snyder initiated communication with the woman on Sunday, expressing that his life felt empty without her. He reportedly used text messages and Snapchats to convey his feelings.
Snyder allegedly began texting and Snapchatting the woman on Sunday, telling her his life was “meaningless” without her, according to messages in the complaint obtained by The Standard Speaker.
“I know you miss me, and I know you still love me,” he allegedly wrote. “You miss me. Your connection is strong(er) than anything I’ve ever felt, and I know you feel the same way. Selfishly and unselfishly, I am the best thing for you and I would do everything to prove that. We never had a single issue. You are my one person. I am crazy I know. But you are my soulmate. We honestly belong together.”
When she told him, “Hunter, I can’t,” he supposedly replied, “Why can’t you? You are capable of anything! Deep down, you know it. You know that I am the one for you. I am your soulmate. We are destined for greater things. You mentioned that you’ve been pondering why you left… because you realize it was a wrong decision.”
He also reportedly texted her saying, “Nothing is ever going to stop me from pursuing you. How am I supposed to stay wonderful when every day without you drags me deeper into darkness?”
Snyder’s ex and Rabbitz took the initiative to enhance their home security by installing surveillance cameras. Remarkably, one of these cameras reportedly captured Snyder himself delivering a coffee press to her residence on January 17, only a few days prior to the unfortunate incident.
Snyder was taken into custody on January 22nd, appeared in court the following day, and is presently being detained without bail until the preliminary hearing on March 7th.
Snyder’s Past Allegations
The state police have confirmed that Snyder previously served as a trooper, but his employment came to an end in May 2023.
According to a report from The Standard Speaker, he has faced charges of stalking and harassment in the past. It is alleged that after breaking up with another ex, he attempted to contact her over 100 times through phone calls, text messages, and fake social media accounts. Subsequently, he was charged with harassment when he made a delivery to her residence in 2023.
According to reports, he allegedly received probation and was required to pay $1,144 in fines.
