On July 2, 1977, an explosion and subsequent cabin fire in the woods near Fayetteville, Pennsylvania drew local residents and firefighters. Fayetteville Volunteer Fire Department Chief James W. Cutchall, 33, responded to the call. Two local men who first went to investigate had been fired on as they approached the cabin; Wilbur Ernest Brookens was killed instantly. Chief Cutchall arrived shortly after and, while assessing the scene, was shot multiple times by the same gunman. Two firefighters were wounded while the first engine crew tried to reach and rescue Cutchall. Chief Cutchall was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Investigators carried out an eight-hour manhunt that ended when the suspect, identified as Gary Rock, surrendered. Rock had apparently set the fire to draw people to the cabin and was charged with two counts of murder and six counts of attempted murder. A portion of Fayetteville’s Main Street was later dedicated as the James W. Cutchall Memorial Highway in his memory.

If anyone knew Chief Cutchall, Wilbur Brookens, or seen activity near that cabin in 1977, any details could still be important.