Sherri Lynn Mitko, 70, was found shot to death inside her home on Lower Line Creek Road near Somerset shortly after midnight on August 12, 2026. Deputies responding to a welfare check discovered she had suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Investigators said the killing was connected to a home invasion and robbery at a residence they believe was deliberately targeted. A 911 call placed at about 12:07 a.m. reportedly captured voices of two males and included one saying he regretted that Mitko had been killed and discussing a safe. Deputies also found two cellphones inside the house.

Authorities focused on a group that included three juveniles and one adult. A 17-year-old was charged with murder on August 16 after investigators alleged he fired the fatal shots; a 15-year-old admitted participating in the robbery and said about $240 and some alcohol were taken. McCoy William Chaney, 20, of Somerset, was arrested August 17 on charges including murder, first-degree robbery and first-degree burglary and held on $1.5 million bond. Another 17-year-old was arrested August 19 and charged with complicity to commit murder. Mitko had been active in education and community work after retiring to Somerset and was survived by her son, grandson, siblings and extended family.

Does anyone have information about activity near Lower Line Creek Road around midnight on August 12 that could help investigators?