State Police Continue Search, Release Photos of Missing Rifle in Evans City Man's Homicide

State police at Butler have released photos of a Winchester .30-30 rifle similar to one missing from the Forward Township garage where owner Robert Gaurrich was found shot to death Friday night.

Troopers said the rifle, similar to a Canadian Centennial made in 1967 was owned by Gaurrich and was known to be at Bob’s Truck & Auto Repair Service on Evans City Road prior to the 45-year-old Evan City man’s death.

Police could not find the rifle during their investigation of the building.

Whether the weapon was used to kill Gaurrich is not known at this time.

Herr said it did not appear anything else was taken from the building. There also were no signs of forced entry into the garage.  

Investigators said Gaurrich died of a single gunshot wound to the chest sometime between 4 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. Friday. An acquaintance discovered his body late Friday evening just outside the shop.

State police spokesman Trooper Dan Kesten said the friend became worried about Gaurrich after he was unable to get in contact with him Friday. When he got to the shop, he found Gaurrich’s body and called police, Kesten said.

“People were expecting him to return home,” Kesten said of Gaurrich.

Herr said investigators could not comment on if there was a struggle before Gaurrich was shot.

Jessica Hoover, Gaurrich's fiancee,recently told KDKA someone was supposed drop by the shop to discuss buying the rifle late last week.

No arrests have been made yet. Herr said investigators are pursuing a few different leads.

Anyone with information about the missing rifle is asked to call state police at Butler at 724-284-8100.