Lowe's homicide victim's sister says company ignored ‘red flag'
The sister of a Scranton man shot and killed while working overnight Saturday at the Scranton Lowe's Home Improvement says the store could have done more to protect her brother.
Christina Moeller-Baxter alleged in a Facebook post Wednesday afternoon that the company failed to act. She referenced the criminal complaint, which stated accused gunman Christopher Wasnetsky of Dalton emailed Lowe's management and human resources department before he allegedly shot Jeffrey Moeller Jr., 44, to death. He said he was going to shoot Moeller in the email and said it could have been avoided if someone had stopped Moeller from harassing him. Wasnetsky had filed complaints against Moeller that were investigated and unfounded, the store manager told police.
'Shame on you, Lowe's Home Improvement!!' Christina Moeller-Baxter wrote in the Facebook post tagging the company. 'You had the chance to protect him and you chose not to. You ignored every red flag. Now our family is shattered forever because of your failure to act!'
Moeller-Baxter also said her brother made reports to the company about Wasnetsky.
'To our knowledge, (Wasnetsky) had been making troubling comments directed at Jeffrey. Despite Jeffrey's repeated reports, nothing was done,' she posted on a GoFundMe page raising money for her brother's wife and three daughters.
Lowe's Companies Inc. did not immediately respond to email and phone requests for comment Thursday. It had released a statement after the shooting that said the company is working closely with law enforcement's investigation.
'The safety of our associates and customers is our top priority, and we are deeply saddened by this senseless act of violence,' the statement read.
Husband, dad and hard worker
Moeller's obituary, published by Zygmunt-Murtie Funeral and Cremation Service in Orange County, New York, paints Moeller as a committed father and family man.
Moeller, born July 15, 1980, in Suffern, New York, is survived by Keisha Moeller, his wife; their daughters, Olivia, 11, Carter, 8, and Peyton, 6; his father, Jeffrey Moeller; brother, Gary Moeller, and sister.
Moeller built a life in Scranton rooted in dedication to his family and community, and died while working at a job he took great pride in, the obituary stated.
'He will be remembered for his warm heart and deep love he held for his family,' the obituary read.
A celebration of life service will be held at a later date, and a private burial will take place at the Seamanville Cemetery in Monroe, New York.
The GoFundMe page had raised more than $20,000 by 4 p.m. Thursday, exceeding its $18,000 goal.
Continuing investigation
Wasnetsky was originally charged with aggravated assault, pending the results of an autopsy. On Monday, the charges were amended to include first- and third-degree murder, according to a criminal complaint.
Wasnetsky remains in Lackawanna County Prison without bail.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on June 30 before District Judge Laura Turlip.
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