Evidence found at suicide scene linked to Canton homicide
The home of Randall M. Phillips on Pike Street in Meadow Lands
Scott David Taneyhill
The stepbrother of a Canton Township man who was murdered Monday was later found dead at his home of an apparent suicide, and police said there was evidence linking him to the homicide.
Chartiers Township police found the body of Randall M. Phillips near a shed with his face painted and next to a military-style rifle outside his residence at 550 Pike St. in Meadow Lands later Monday, court records state.
The items seized at Phillips’ property “are believed to be associated with the homicide of Scott David Taneyhill,” state police Trooper Thomas Kress noted in the affidavit accompanying a warrant giving police permission to search 550 Pike St.
Taneyhill’s daughter, Sarah Taneyhill, found him dead outside the basement door of his house at 65 Skylark Drive about 6:20 a.m. Monday, and she also discovered a fire at his house. He died of gunshot wounds and was found beside his vehicle, which was also struck by gunfire, according to the search warrant signed Monday by District Judge Ethan Ward.
The fire, which was quickly extinguished by Canton firefighters, appeared to have been started with gasoline and a road flare, the record states. Flare wrappings and face paint were found at the scene of the homicide.
Troopers investigating the scene of the apparent suicide found 7.62mm ammunition, a type commonly used in military-style weapons, on the passenger seat of a van parked on Phillips’ property. A backpack found near his body contained face paint that matched what was seized from the homicide scene and 30 rounds of ammunition clips for a military-style rifle, the record indicates.
Police said they also found four handwritten notes at 550 Pike St.
Services will be held today for Scott Taneyhill, 56, who was a hunter and landscaper.
State police were not available for comment Friday and released no further information on Taneyhill’s killing. Officials have not yet ruled the case a murder-suicide.