The initial investigation into a missing Butler woman quickly turned into a full-blown murder case within just a couple of days.
Both the family of 26-year-old Melissa Barto and local investigators are thanking the public for aiding police with tips and information.
“Every tip was very critical,” Pennsylvania State Police Lieutenant Eric Hermick said.
However, Hermick also stated that investigators are now looking into some false tips they received, which they believe may have been people trying to protect those involved.
“Some of the tips were false, which we believe were false alibis, trying to protect people,” he said. “That’s something we’re looking into.”
Primary murder suspect Ishemer Ramsey of Lyndora posted to social media after the alleged crime urging Barto to come home.
Ramsey is accused of shooting her on June 8. Facebook posts show him urging her to return on both June 9 and 10.
