Jakob Korber was taken into custody near the Sewickley Township home where authorities found his mother dead earlier Sunday.
SEWICKLEY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — An hours-long search for a Westmoreland County man ended Sunday evening when he was taken into custody near his family’s home, where his mother had been found dead earlier in the day, Pennsylvania State Police said.
Jakob Korber, 29, was later charged with criminal homicide in the death of Christin Hamilton. Authorities said Korber had been seen in the area after Hamilton was found severely injured on the front porch of a residence along Herminie West Newton Road. Police searched roads and wooded areas before Korber was spotted again and arrested without incident.
The case began Sunday morning when a relative discovered Hamilton and called 911. Troopers responding to the property found her dead. State police identified Korber as a person they were trying to locate and released his photograph while urging anyone who knew his location to contact authorities.
The search brought a heavy police presence to the normally residential area. Officers searched on the ground, K-9 teams were deployed and a helicopter was used as authorities tried to locate Korber. Residents in the area were told to remain cautious while the search continued.
By Sunday evening, neighbors reported seeing Korber walking on Herminie West Newton Road near the property, according to CBS Pittsburgh. A KDKA-TV camera recorded part of his return to the area. Video showed Korber approaching the driveway before police moved in. He knelt and put his hands over his head, then followed officers’ commands to get on the ground.
Police said Korber was taken into custody without incident. Neighbor Connie Underwood told CBS Pittsburgh she was relieved when the search ended, saying, “I’m glad that it’s over.” The arrest removed the immediate uncertainty that had surrounded the neighborhood for much of the day.
Investigators later said the case involved more than the search for Korber. Surveillance video from the home allegedly showed an argument between Korber and Hamilton before he assaulted her on the front porch. The Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office said the recording showed Korber striking Hamilton with his hands and feet and using objects from the porch.
State Police Trooper Steve Limani said investigators believe the assault lasted more than an hour. Police also said Korber left the property afterward and spent time in a nearby field. Authorities have not announced a motive for the alleged attack.
Police said Korber made statements during an interview indicating that if Hamilton was dead, he had caused her death. That account comes from investigators, and the statement has not been tested in court. The criminal homicide charge against Korber remains an allegation, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office said Korber was denied bail after his arraignment. Investigators were continuing to examine the evidence, and police said additional charges could be filed. CBS Pittsburgh reported that Korber is being held at the Westmoreland County Prison and has a preliminary hearing scheduled for Sept. 14.
Author note: Last updated September 1, 2026.