Watch CBS News

Man accused of stabbing mom to death in Arnold

Police investigating deadly stabbing in Arnold
Police investigating deadly stabbing in Arnold 01:55

ARNOLD, Pa. (KDKA) -- A homicide investigation is underway in Arnold, Westmoreland County after a stabbing happened in the middle of the street in broad daylight.

Thirty-eight-year-old Brian Rebold is in police custody after allegedly stabbing his 73-year-old mother on Liberty Avenue on Sunday evening, according to the Westmoreland County District Attorney. He is facing charges of criminal homicide and murder of the first degree. Brian Rebold called 9-1-1 to report the stabbing when the incident occurred.

The Westmoreland County Coroner's Office has identified the woman as Diana Rebold. 

The Arnold police chief told KDKA-TV that they found Brian Rebold next to the woman, and he admitted to killing her. She was stabbed multiple times.

"I'm shaking like a leaf because this is such a quiet neighborhood," one neighbor said in response to the incident.

Police tell KDKA-TV that witnesses say they heard two people arguing. Sources close to the investigation told KDKA-TV that the son allegedly cut his mother's throat in the middle of the road.

Brian Rebold allegedly threw the knife in the neighbor's yard, which was recovered by police.

Motive remains unclear following deadly Westmoreland County stabbing 01:52

"To have something this brutal in this neighborhood, because everyone watches everyone here, I'm just in shock," another neighbor said. "This is just all so shocking. That's all. Good Lord, what's this world coming to?"

Neighbor Charisse Campise remains shocked at such a violent crime.

"I mean, how do you process it? How do you process it when somebody is [ly]ing there in front of your house, passed away, and there's nothing you can do?" she said.

Chief Josh Stanga told KDKA-TV that while Rebold is in custody and is being charged with criminal homicide and first-degree murder, the question of motive is what remains.

"Ultimately, we want to know, and other family members want to know, why. What is the reasoning for this senseless act?" the chief pondered.

Officials stress that there is no active threat to the public.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.