LOWVILLE, New York — A Pennsylvania man is on trial for the alleged murder of his friend and employer, as the courtroom heard riveting testimony and examined critical evidence over two days this week. Jacob Vanbergen stands accused of killing Brandon Shepker in January 2024 at the Ridge View Lodge, a situation that has captivated the small community of Lewis County.
On Thursday, the court was presented with video footage that reportedly captured the final moments of Shepker’s life. The footage showed the two men entering their motel room shortly before 10 p.m. on January 6. Approximately one hour later, Vanbergen was observed leaving the room alone and heading to a nearby bar. He returned just before midnight, shortly before first responders arrived, visibly distressed.
Lead Investigator Edward Amelio from the county sheriff’s office testified that the timeline presented in court aligns with what Vanbergen reported to authorities following the incident. Surveillance cameras later recorded Vanbergen returning to Pennsylvania, where he appeared to cover the camera on the property of Shepker’s home with his vehicle as he pulled into the driveway.
In a notable piece of evidence, Amelio revealed that Vanbergen contacted Shepker’s lawyer shortly after the alleged murder to inquire about a will. The attorney, however, found no record of such a document. This detail raised questions about Vanbergen’s motives and state of mind following the incident.
Defense Attorney Gary Miles argued that witnesses in adjacent rooms reported no unusual sounds or activities that night. Miles also pointed out that no evidence suggested Vanbergen had taken anything from Shepker’s home, highlighting a potential gap in the prosecution’s case.
Forensic pathologist Dr. Robert Stoppacher took the stand to provide insight into Shepker’s injuries. He determined the cause of death to be strangulation and presented graphic images of Shepker’s injuries, which included prominent neck bruising, punctured blood vessels, and blunt force trauma.
As the prosecution builds its case, the jury is expected to hear from additional witnesses on Friday, which may further illuminate the complex dynamics between the accused and the victim. The trial continues to unfold, drawing attention to the tragic circumstances surrounding this case and the quest for justice in Lewis County.