WASHINGTON COUNTY, PA – Pennsylvania State Police gave an update on Monday regarding a fatal double shooting incident that occurred in Washington County. The incident, which unfolded on a quiet rural road in South Franklin Township, claimed the life of 18-year-old Annalaya Wilkerson and left a 17-year-old girl injured on April 13, around 11 p.m.
Court documents made available before the press briefing revealed that two men, Karon Whitlock, 20, and Windale Barfield Jr., 19, have been charged in connection with the shooting. The charges against them include criminal homicide, attempted criminal homicide, and aggravated assault.
According to the complaint, the surviving victim was able to identify her attacker to emergency services and first responders. She referred to the shooter as “Winnie,” a name police later associated with Barfield, who was previously in a relationship with the deceased, Annalaya.
The survivor recounted to the 911 operator that they were in a car when the shooter stopped the vehicle, walked towards a house, and then shot them. Trooper Rocco Gagliardi stated that the exact events that transpired in the car remain unclear, but something significant must have happened.
The girls were picked up from the Red Roof Inn in Washington County by the two accused men. The investigation is still ongoing to uncover what occurred in the vehicle before the girls had to exit, Gagliardi added.
The violent incident has left the close-knit community in shock. Both the Pennsylvania State Police and the Washington County District Attorney have reassured the public that they are committed to the investigation, despite the unusual circumstances.
The mother of Annalaya described her late daughter as a vibrant young woman, always smiling and capable of making anyone laugh. The two accused men are yet to be taken into custody, and the police are hopeful they will surrender themselves. Meanwhile, the 17-year-old survivor is still in the hospital recovering from her injuries.
Anyone with information regarding Barfield and Whitlock is urged to contact PSP Washington at 724-223-5200.