[Editor’s note: We are re-running the Affidavit of Probable Cause in the Laura Ronning murder case, because a section was accidentally repeated when it was prepared for publication in the weekend edition. This caused the flow of the narrative to be interrupted. We apologize for this.
The following document is the Affidavit of Probable Cause, in full, filed by the Pa. State Police, July 27, 2009, seeking the arrest warrant for Jeffrey J. Plishka, 46, of Onley, Va. He is charged with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree Murder and Attempted Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse against Laura Lynne Ronning, who was killed July 27, 1991 at Tanner’s Falls, Wayne County, Pa.]
July 27, 1991
Laura Lynne RONNING was employed as a summer camp counselor at Camp Cayuga located in Dyberry Township, Wayne County. At approximately 1100 hours on July 27, 1991, RONNING departed Camp Cayuga on foot and intended to hike from Camp Cayuga to Tanners Falls. RONNING never returned to Camp Cayuga and was reported missing to the Pennsylvania State Police Troop R Honesdale in the early morning hours of July 28, 1991. A search was initiated by the Pennsylvania State Police and on July 28, 1991 at approximately 1145 hours, the partially clothed body of RONNING was discovered in Dyberry Township, approximately thirty five (35) feet off the south side of SR 4017, this being the road leading to Tanners Falls. RONNING had been physically assaulted on the road and shot in the head with what was determined to have been a .22 caliber weapon. RONNING was moved off of the roadway to an adjacent embankment deeper into the woods where she was sexually assaulted peri or post- mortem and left in a posed, partially exposed, sexually degrading position. The cause of RONNINGS death was found to have been as a result of a gunshot wound to her head; her manner of death was listed as homicide.
On July 28, 1991, at approximately 0930 hours prior to the body of RONNING being discovered, Jeffrey J. PLISHKA approached Lt. John MITCHELL as he was briefing search participants and asked for and received a description of RONNING. PLISHKA's residence at the time was located a short distance from the scene. The description given to PLISHKA at this time did not include the fact that RONNING was wearing a bathing suit under her clothing. This is important as PLISHKA reports later in a subsequent interview that he observed RONNING wearing a bathing suit. At the time PLISHKA received this information, RONNING was still the subject of a missing person investigation being directed by Lt. John MITCHELL, Pennsylvania State Police. This encounter between PLISHKA and Lt. MITCHELL took place near the scene of the assault/body discovery site. It should be noted that although PLISHKA was obviously aware that this was a search for a missing person and had been given a description of RONNING, he did not mention that he had purportedly seen RONNING on 07/27/1991 during this interchange. At approximately 1500 hours, several hours after receiving the description of RONNING from Lt. MITCHELL, PLISHKA returned to the area near the body discovery site and again: spoke with Lt. MITCHELL. At that time, PLISHKA informed Lt. MITCHELL that he had seen RONNING the day before, July 27, 1991 at approximately noon, while she was seated on a rock at Tanners Falls reading a book. PLISHKA stated that he did not know what she was wearing and he was only able to describe her as nice looking and young. PLISHKA told Lt. Mitchell that he went to the Falls to look at girls, but that he didn't have to look at her because there are plenty of other girls to look at. PLISHKA stated that he didn't talk to the girl. However, PLISHKA stated that he thought about waving to her but decided not to because he didn't want to scare her. Additionally, Lt. MITCHELL stated that he observed that PLISHKA had what he described as a fresh scratch present on his left cheek directly under his eye. During an interview in May of 2009, PLISHKA was asked about the scratch under his eye by Tpr. ZIRPOLI and confirmed that he did have a scratch but could not remember how he got it.
On July 29, 1991 Dr. Isidore MIHALAKIS, a Board Certified Forensic Pathologist, performed an autopsy upon the body of Laura Lynne RONNING. MIHALAKIS determined that RONNING died as the result of a single gunshot wound to her left temple area, which was described as a "firm contact wound". It was also determined that the projectile causing this wound was that of a .22 caliber. The projectile was recovered. MIHALAKIS determined from his examination that RONNING had injuries consistent with having been struck on the top of her head with a cylindrical object that would be consistent with the barrel of a firearm. Further, the examination of RONNING showed injuries to her vaginal and anal areas consistent with having been the victim of sexual assault. Additionally, the body of RONNING displayed numerous defensive type injuries.
On July 28, 1991, at approximately 2230 hours Jeffrey PLISHKA was interviewed at his home by Tpr. Herman TODD. At that time PLISHKA stated that the woman he saw was wearing a bathing suit. It should be noted that when RONNING'S body was discovered, she was wearing a bathing suit, however it was worn beneath her outer clothing, and would not have been visible, unless and until her outer clothing was removed. Additionally, PLISHKA told Lt. Mitchell only hours before this interview that he did not know what the woman he saw was wearing. PLISHKA told Tpr. TODD the following concerning that day: He was on his way home and decided to take a ride through the Tanners Falls area (S.R. 4017). He traveled up the road in awesterly direction and crossed the bridge at the falls. At that point he noticed RONNING as he crossed the bridge. She was sitting on the lower rock at the bottom of the falls. She looked up at him. She did not wave or smile. He noticed she had a towel, magazine and a nylon-type cooler as he first crossed the bridge. After crossing the bridge, he turned around and headed in an easterly direction on S.R. 4017. According to PLISHKA he could still see RONNING as he headed east across the bridge, but not as well as before because he was on the opposite side of the vehicle from her. Further, PLISHKA stated that he did not stop his vehicle while crossing the bridge in either direction. PLISHKA said that after crossing the bridge the second time he went home. When he got home he found a friend of his named Joan PECK at his residence.
On July 28, 1991, an interview was conducted with Joan PECK. PECK related that she is a friend of the PLISHKA family and was at the PLISHKA residence on July 27, 1991. PECK arrived around 1600 hrs; no one was home at the time. PECK stayed at the house that afternoon and stated that PLISHKA did not arrive home until close to 1800 hours. PECK was re-interviewed by Cpl. Gary Shoener on July 28, 1994. At that time she confirmed that PLISHKA did not return to the residence on July 27, 1991 until approximately 1800 hours. She added that PLISHKA related that he had met some girls at Lake Wallenpaupack and had returned to get his boat. PECK was interviewed most recently by Corporals Kevin MAHONEY and Mark ROGAN on May 12, 2009 in Mount Dora, Florida. During this interview she again confirmed the approximate time of PLISHKA'S return to the residence on July 27, 1991. She also noted that PLISHKA had come home around dusk and stayed for a few hours; PLISHKA related that he had met some girls at Lake Wallenpaupack and was going back there. She does not know if PLISHKA took the boat and did not recall PLISHKA returning home that night - she stayed overnight. She further related in the interview that she had knowledge that PLISHKA was given to "fits of rage".
On July 30, 1991, Tpr. Herman TODD and William STRONG again interviewed Jeffrey J. PLISHKA. The interview took place at the Pennsylvania State Police Barracks, Honesdale and commenced at approximately 0815 hours. During the interview Tpr. TODD showed PLISHKA a photograph of Laura Lynne RONNING. PLISHKA reviewed the photograph and stated that the person in the photograph and the woman he observed sitting on a rock at Tanners Falls were one and the same. However, PLISHKA noted that the girl he saw was not wearing make-up. He again stated that when he saw the woman she was not smiling. PLISHKA stated that the woman sitting on the rock was seated on a towel, had a book or magazine lying on the rock next to her, and some type of bag or pack. PLISHKA stated that he observed the woman as he drove across the bridge on S.R. 4017. He first drove across the bridge in a westerly direction and then turned around and crossed the bridge a second time headed in an easterly direction. PLISHKA also said that as he was crossing the bridge the second time (heading east) he stopped his vehicle for about two (2) minutes. PLISHKA insisted that when he stopped his vehicle he did not look downstream where the girl was located at any time. PLISHKA said that he only looked upstream in the direction opposite the girl and that he only saw the girl on his original (westerly) crossing of the bridge and only for a brief time. He said he then went home.
Tpr. Herman TODD confronted PLISHKA with PECK'S statement that PLISHKA had not arrived at his residence until later in the day and asked PLISHKA where he was between approximately noon on July 27, 1991 and the time when PECK said he returned to his residence. PLISHKA'S his response was that he did not know where he had gone.
According to what PLISHKA told Trooper Todd on July 28 and 30, 1991, at the time that he observed RONNING sitting on the rock, he was crossing the single lane Tanners Falls Bridge in his truck, (a 1987 Ford Bronco). The distance from the bridge to the rock PLISHKA described is one hundred and twenty (120) feet. A reconstruction of the event described by PLISHKA was performed by officers of the Pennsylvania State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation. This was done in 1992 during the summer months at a similar time of day and with similar lighting conditions. A State Police Officer positioned himself on the rock that had been described by PLISHKA. A State Police officer driving a vehicle of the same make as that of PLISHKA then drove across the bridge in both directions and made an observation of the officer on the rock. This reconstruction determined that it is very difficult, if not impossible, to determine whether or not someone is wearing make-up or if someone is smiling or not. At the distance indicated by PLISHKA (120'=40 yds), it is difficult to discern male or female (depending on clothing) and whether they are reading a magazine, newspaper, etc.
In 2009, this area was measured by PSP personnel utilizing the Total Station Mapping System. This measurement was completed to see what time of visibility existed from the scenario given by PLISHKA, wherein he stated that he was able to observe RONNING on the rock and the subsequent details of RONNING's expression and the items that he observed her possessing. It was determined from the measurements that PLISHKA's window of opportunity to notice/observe RONNING, etc was as follows:
Assuming that he was traveling at the following speeds, the amount of time PLISHKA would have had an unobstructed line of sight to be able to observe RONNING in the place and as he described seeing her would be:
5 mph =±5.5 seconds
l0 mph = ±2.8 seconds
15 mph = ±1.86 seconds
As described by PLISHKA, this would allow a very small window of opportunity for him to initially notice RONNING and to observe the details that he gave on July 28 and 30, 1991 concerning RONNING, especially while operating a vehicle on a single lane bridge.
November 21, 1992
On November 21, 1992 Tpr. Dennis HUNSICKER interviewed Jeffrey PLISHKA at the Honesdale National Guard Armory. During this interview PLISHKA related that he was familiar with the Tanners Falls area and had last been there two to three weeks ago. He liked to go there to zone and relax; he did relate that he did have sex in the water at the falls with a female who had picked him up, this occurred approximately 7 years prior to the incident. At this point Tpr. Joseph JOY joined the interview. At the end of the interview, PLISHKA indicated that he wished to leave and Tpr. JOY asked PLISHKA if he would return at some point to give them the true version of what he did to the girl at the falls. PLISHKA replied that he would think it over, and consult with an attorney, and, then, he would probably give a statement.
On November 22, 1992, a search warrant was served on Jeffrey PLISHKA at his residence by members of the Pennsylvania State Police. Among the items seized were five (5) rifles of .22 caliber, at least one (1) air powered pistol of .22 caliber, other air pistols and ammunition for .22 caliber firearms. Following the service of this warrant, Paul PLISHKA, Sr, also turned over to Pennsylvania State Police at Honesdale a number of pistols of various calibers.
An examination of a casing found at the crime scene disclosed the impression of the letter "F" on the base of the casing. This indicates that the bullet was manufactured by or for the Federal Cartridge Company. A comparison of this stamping, known as a "bunting mark ", with ammunition obtained in the search of the PLISHKA residence, showed that the .22 casing collected on the roadway in close proximity to the body discovery site and at least one (1) of the bullets recovered from the PLISHKA residence were consistent with each other.
One of the rifles (a .22 caliber Magnum Ithaca rifle) that was seized in the search of the PLISHKA residence was determined to have human blood present on the barrel of the weapon. The weapon was sent to the Pennsylvania State Police Crime Laboratory, Ballistics Section, for examination. A report received from Trooper Elwood SPENCER could not rule out this firearm from having fired the projectile recovered in the victim's head, nor from having ejected the casing that was recovered from the crime scene. Additionally, the casing that was recovered has been examined and found to exhibit characteristics consistent with it being "fire- formed"; that is the front of the casing shows expansion from having been fired from a chamber larger than that of a .22 caliber, such as that of a .22 caliber Magnum.
It has been determined that on the day of RONNINGS' murder, a number of people traveled S.R. 4017 and went through the Tanners Falls area from approximately 1210 hrs, with individuals coming and going until late in the evening. Interviews were conducted with all of these individuals; no one reported seeing either RONNING or PLISHKA. RONNING was found to have signed out of the camp on July 27, 1991 at 1100 hours to begin the walk to Tanners Falls. RONNING left the office and first walked to the Volleyball Courts, here she met with Ashley SUMMERS, her bunkmate. SUMMERS walked with RONNING to where the trail started, SUMMERS showed RONNING the trail leading to Tanners Falls as RONNING had never walked to Tanners Falls and was unfamiliar with the trail. The trail walk from Camp Cayuga was timed/walked by Cpl. Gary SHOENER on 07/28/91 and found to take approximately 25 minutes to reach the intersection of SR 4007 and SR 4017. There is still a distance she would have to travel of approximately .7 miles farther to reach the rocks at Tanners Falls where PLISHKA claims to have seen RONNING on 07/27/91 at approximately noon. Therefore, within approximately 70 minutes, RONNING would have had to traverse the distance between the camp and the intersection, walk another .7 mile to the falls, climb down an embankment to the lower rocks, remove clothing, unpack belongings, take up a seated position, be seen at that location by PLISHKA, dress, pack, climb back up the embankment to the roadway and walk approximately .3 mile down S.R, 4017 to the area where the assault occurred and the body was recovered. The time that it took for the assault to occur also needs to be considered. The activities comprising the assault include the initial encounter; some struggle as evidenced by the defensive wounds found on RONNING's body; the infliction of the fatal gunshot; the subsequent movement of the body approximately forty (40) feet from the road down a steep embankment; the further sexual assault and posing of the victim; and, finally, the time it would take for the offender to escape unseen. All of this activity needs to have transpired prior to known witnesses arriving in the immediate area at 1210 hours. Further, Forensic Entomologist K.C. KIM, conducted an examination of insects collected from the remains of the victim. Based upon that examination. Dr. Kirn estimates the time of RONNING's death as being between 1200-1300 hours on July 27, 1991. This window of opportunity for the crime to have occurred corresponds with the time that PLISHKA says he saw RONNING at Tanners Falls on July 27, 1991.
February of 2006
In February of 2006 the investigation was reassigned and at that time all of the evidence was again re- examined by members of the Troop R Criminal Investigation Section along with members of the Troop R Forensic Services Unit. It was determined that significant advances in DNA testing might permit the further testing of the human blood found on the barrel of the .22 caliber Magnum Ithaca rifle seized from the PLISHKA residence on November 22, 1992. Mitochondrial DNA testing was completed on the sample. It was discovered that the sample contained a mixture of DNA. Further, it was determined that RONNING's Mitochondrial DNA profile is one of the many profiles that may be derived from the nucleotide substitutions observed in the mixture. Therefore, Laura RONNING and her maternal relatives cannot be excluded as contributors of the blood. On May 11, 2009 members of the Pennsylvania State Police traveled to Accomack County Virginia, to serve a search warrant on PLISHKA to obtain a sample of his blood for testing. A sample was obtained and sent out for DNA analysis. The blood deposited on the barrel was then compared with the Mitochondrial DNA profile of Jeffrey PLISHKA who was found to be excluded as being a potential donor of that blood. Due to the makeup of Mitochondrial DNA, this result also excludes PLISHKA's natural siblings and mother as potential contributors of the blood found on the gun.
May 12, 2009
On May 12, 2009 Cpl. R. STOUD and Tpr. P. ZIRPOLI re-interviewed PLISHKA at the Accomack County Sheriffs Office. PLISHKA was asked what he remembered about July 27th 1991, he related that he remembered being at home haying the field, he had gone inside and asked his brother Paul to help. Paul told him no. PLISHKA stated that he then took a ride down to the falls to see if any girls were around. He drove across the bridge at Tanners Falls and saw Laura RONNING sitting on the lower rocks. When he came across the bridge he saw a blue colored station wagon parked. No one was inside the station wagon. He turned around, drove back across the bridge and left. He did not remember where he went. Tpr. ZIRPOLI asked him to describe Laura RONNING; he said that she was pretty, wearing a bathing suit but does not remember if she had shorts or jeans on, she was reading a book.
PLISHKA stated that he thought RONNING looked "terrified". He said that he thought about going down and helping her, but did not. When he was asked why he didn't go down to her PLISHKA stated, "Because I did not want to get shot." He was asked why he thought he would be shot, he did not know why he thought this but he did. PLISHKA further described the station wagon as larger model vehicle. He stated that no other vehicles were parked in the area. He was specifically asked if any ATV's or motorcycles were in the area. PLISHKA related that there were no ATV's or motorcycles around and that the only thing parked at the falls was the blue station wagon. Tpr. ZIRPOLI asked PLISHKA if his brother, Paul, had been at the falls on July 27, 1991. PLISHKA replied no, Paul was home then went to work. This statement is the first time that PLISHKA has ever mentioned the presence of a blue station wagon at Tanners Falls when he saw RONNING on July 27, 1991.
Cpl. STOUD and Tpr. ZIRPOLI reviewed PLISHKA'S prior statements with him. PLISHKA confirmed that the prior statements were accurate to his recollection.
The DNA testing procedure was explained to PLISHKA. During this conversation he became anxious to the point that he stood up and started pacing the room. It was explained to him that, if there was any reason that his DNA would be discovered on the victim, he should let the investigators know what that reason was. At this point PLISHKA stopped pacing, crossed his arms and leaned up against the counter. PLISHKA stated"I hope I didn't kill that girl". Cpl. STOUD asked, "What did you say?" PLISHKA immediately repeated, "I hope I didn't kill that girl." Cpl. STOUD asked PLISHKA, "Did you kill her?" PLISHKA replied, "No."
PLISHKA was asked if his DNA would be found on Laura RONNING's body. He stated, "I sure hope not." He was asked this question several times with his answers being "I don't think so" and "It shouldn't be". The DNA was further discussed with PLISHKA explaining to him that his DNA is different from everyone else's, and the only way for it to be found there would be if he had some contact with the victim. He was then asked again if he thought his DNA would be found on RONNING and he replied, "I do not know." During this he denied having any type of contact with the victim, stating that he only saw her from the bridge.
PLISHKA was asked if he would prepare a written statement as to what he remembered. He told us that he would, however, he then said that he would rather have someone write it for him. Cpl. STOUD used a computer to prepare the statement, during the preparation of the statement PLISHKA confirmed that the girl he saw on the rock was definitely Laura RONNING, he had picked her photograph out and it was fresh in his memory. PLISHKA then gave a verbal statement which was typed and presented to him to review. Tpr. ZIRPOLI was finishing the statement with him when PLISHKA stated "I remember that f*cking bitch never waved to me."
At this point PLISHKA asked about the drawing of his blood and wanted to know when it was going to happen. Cpl. STOUD left the interview to check on this. PLISHKA and Tpr. ZIRPOLI started to talk about his former marriage as he is currently divorced. Cpl. STOUD entered the room with Kenneth MORRIS of the Virginia State Police, MORRIS introduced himself. The conversation continued with PLISHKA. The subject of the discussion was the DNA and the blood being drawn. Tpr. ZIRPOLI started going over the DNA with PLISHKA and again asked PLISHKA if his DNA would be found on Laura RONNING. PLISHKA again replied that he didn't know. Tpr. ZIRPOLI told PLISHKA that if he had contact with the victim it was important that he say so since the investigators would need to know so that we would have an understanding as to why his DNA would be there if the results come back positive. PLISHKA asked Tpr. ZIRPOLI what would happen if the DNA found was his and he didn't tell us. Tpr. ZIRPOLI told him that investigators would likely consider it as evidence that PLISHKA was involved in the murder- Tpr. ZIRPOLI again asked if his DNA would be found on Laura RONNING and PLISHKA again replied that he didn't know. Lt. Gerald GOGA and a nurse from the Accomack County Jail entered the room to draw the blood. Tpr. ZIRPOLI told PLISHKA that now was the time to tell us if his DNA would be found on the victim. He stated, "It shouldn't."
The blood was drawn from PLISHKA and he asked for a ride home. Cpl. STOUD and Tpr. ZIRPOLI transported PLISHKA from the Sheriffs Office to his residence. During the ride, Cpl. STOUD asked PLISHKA if the comment he made to Tpr. JOY at the Armory was true. When PLISHKA asked what statement he was referring to, Cpl. STOUD stated that he was referring to the fact that PLISHKA told JOY that he would come back and tell them what he did to the girl after he thought about it and maybe talked with an attorney, PLISHKA replied "yes" he made that statement. PLISHKA then stated, "What should I do if I remember later that I did something?" Cpl. STOUD asked PLISHKA directly if he did anything. PLISHKA replied "I do not know." Cpl. STOUD asked PLISHKA why we should believe that he is telling us the truth. PLISHKA did not have an answer.
PLISHKA currently resides in Onley, Virginia, outside the jurisdiction of this Commonwealth. Your Affiants have made efforts to coordinate with law enforcement authorities in Onley, Virginia to take PLISHKA into custody on the morning of July 30, 2009. Your Affiants anticipate conducting additional interviews at that time as well. The investigation underlying these charges has been the subject of media reports in the past and your Affiants are informed that members of the media had contacted PLISHKA as recently as last year to obtain comment from him regarding this case. As a result, your Affiants believe that grounds exists for sealing this complaint, affidavit .and arrest warrant temporarily to permit authorities to apprehend PLISHKA and conduct additional interviews prior to the public dissemination of the information contained herein.
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[Editor’s note: We are re-running the Affidavit of Probable Cause in the Laura Ronning murder case, because a section was accidentally repeated when it was prepared for publication in the weekend edition. This caused the flow of the narrative to be interrupted. We apologize for this.
The following document is the Affidavit of Probable Cause, in full, filed by the Pa. State Police, July 27, 2009, seeking the arrest warrant for Jeffrey J. Plishka, 46, of Onley, Va. He is charged with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree Murder and Attempted Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse against Laura Lynne Ronning, who was killed July 27, 1991 at Tanner’s Falls, Wayne County, Pa.]
July 27, 1991
Laura Lynne RONNING was employed as a summer camp counselor at Camp Cayuga located in Dyberry Township, Wayne County. At approximately 1100 hours on July 27, 1991, RONNING departed Camp Cayuga on foot and intended to hike from Camp Cayuga to Tanners Falls. RONNING never returned to Camp Cayuga and was reported missing to the Pennsylvania State Police Troop R Honesdale in the early morning hours of July 28, 1991. A search was initiated by the Pennsylvania State Police and on July 28, 1991 at approximately 1145 hours, the partially clothed body of RONNING was discovered in Dyberry Township, approximately thirty five (35) feet off the south side of SR 4017, this being the road leading to Tanners Falls. RONNING had been physically assaulted on the road and shot in the head with what was determined to have been a .22 caliber weapon. RONNING was moved off of the roadway to an adjacent embankment deeper into the woods where she was sexually assaulted peri or post- mortem and left in a posed, partially exposed, sexually degrading position. The cause of RONNINGS death was found to have been as a result of a gunshot wound to her head; her manner of death was listed as homicide.
On July 28, 1991, at approximately 0930 hours prior to the body of RONNING being discovered, Jeffrey J. PLISHKA approached Lt. John MITCHELL as he was briefing search participants and asked for and received a description of RONNING. PLISHKA's residence at the time was located a short distance from the scene. The description given to PLISHKA at this time did not include the fact that RONNING was wearing a bathing suit under her clothing. This is important as PLISHKA reports later in a subsequent interview that he observed RONNING wearing a bathing suit. At the time PLISHKA received this information, RONNING was still the subject of a missing person investigation being directed by Lt. John MITCHELL, Pennsylvania State Police. This encounter between PLISHKA and Lt. MITCHELL took place near the scene of the assault/body discovery site. It should be noted that although PLISHKA was obviously aware that this was a search for a missing person and had been given a description of RONNING, he did not mention that he had purportedly seen RONNING on 07/27/1991 during this interchange. At approximately 1500 hours, several hours after receiving the description of RONNING from Lt. MITCHELL, PLISHKA returned to the area near the body discovery site and again: spoke with Lt. MITCHELL. At that time, PLISHKA informed Lt. MITCHELL that he had seen RONNING the day before, July 27, 1991 at approximately noon, while she was seated on a rock at Tanners Falls reading a book. PLISHKA stated that he did not know what she was wearing and he was only able to describe her as nice looking and young. PLISHKA told Lt. Mitchell that he went to the Falls to look at girls, but that he didn't have to look at her because there are plenty of other girls to look at. PLISHKA stated that he didn't talk to the girl. However, PLISHKA stated that he thought about waving to her but decided not to because he didn't want to scare her. Additionally, Lt. MITCHELL stated that he observed that PLISHKA had what he described as a fresh scratch present on his left cheek directly under his eye. During an interview in May of 2009, PLISHKA was asked about the scratch under his eye by Tpr. ZIRPOLI and confirmed that he did have a scratch but could not remember how he got it.
On July 29, 1991 Dr. Isidore MIHALAKIS, a Board Certified Forensic Pathologist, performed an autopsy upon the body of Laura Lynne RONNING. MIHALAKIS determined that RONNING died as the result of a single gunshot wound to her left temple area, which was described as a "firm contact wound". It was also determined that the projectile causing this wound was that of a .22 caliber. The projectile was recovered. MIHALAKIS determined from his examination that RONNING had injuries consistent with having been struck on the top of her head with a cylindrical object that would be consistent with the barrel of a firearm. Further, the examination of RONNING showed injuries to her vaginal and anal areas consistent with having been the victim of sexual assault. Additionally, the body of RONNING displayed numerous defensive type injuries.
On July 28, 1991, at approximately 2230 hours Jeffrey PLISHKA was interviewed at his home by Tpr. Herman TODD. At that time PLISHKA stated that the woman he saw was wearing a bathing suit. It should be noted that when RONNING'S body was discovered, she was wearing a bathing suit, however it was worn beneath her outer clothing, and would not have been visible, unless and until her outer clothing was removed. Additionally, PLISHKA told Lt. Mitchell only hours before this interview that he did not know what the woman he saw was wearing. PLISHKA told Tpr. TODD the following concerning that day: He was on his way home and decided to take a ride through the Tanners Falls area (S.R. 4017). He traveled up the road in awesterly direction and crossed the bridge at the falls. At that point he noticed RONNING as he crossed the bridge. She was sitting on the lower rock at the bottom of the falls. She looked up at him. She did not wave or smile. He noticed she had a towel, magazine and a nylon-type cooler as he first crossed the bridge. After crossing the bridge, he turned around and headed in an easterly direction on S.R. 4017. According to PLISHKA he could still see RONNING as he headed east across the bridge, but not as well as before because he was on the opposite side of the vehicle from her. Further, PLISHKA stated that he did not stop his vehicle while crossing the bridge in either direction. PLISHKA said that after crossing the bridge the second time he went home. When he got home he found a friend of his named Joan PECK at his residence.
On July 28, 1991, an interview was conducted with Joan PECK. PECK related that she is a friend of the PLISHKA family and was at the PLISHKA residence on July 27, 1991. PECK arrived around 1600 hrs; no one was home at the time. PECK stayed at the house that afternoon and stated that PLISHKA did not arrive home until close to 1800 hours. PECK was re-interviewed by Cpl. Gary Shoener on July 28, 1994. At that time she confirmed that PLISHKA did not return to the residence on July 27, 1991 until approximately 1800 hours. She added that PLISHKA related that he had met some girls at Lake Wallenpaupack and had returned to get his boat. PECK was interviewed most recently by Corporals Kevin MAHONEY and Mark ROGAN on May 12, 2009 in Mount Dora, Florida. During this interview she again confirmed the approximate time of PLISHKA'S return to the residence on July 27, 1991. She also noted that PLISHKA had come home around dusk and stayed for a few hours; PLISHKA related that he had met some girls at Lake Wallenpaupack and was going back there. She does not know if PLISHKA took the boat and did not recall PLISHKA returning home that night - she stayed overnight. She further related in the interview that she had knowledge that PLISHKA was given to "fits of rage".
On July 30, 1991, Tpr. Herman TODD and William STRONG again interviewed Jeffrey J. PLISHKA. The interview took place at the Pennsylvania State Police Barracks, Honesdale and commenced at approximately 0815 hours. During the interview Tpr. TODD showed PLISHKA a photograph of Laura Lynne RONNING. PLISHKA reviewed the photograph and stated that the person in the photograph and the woman he observed sitting on a rock at Tanners Falls were one and the same. However, PLISHKA noted that the girl he saw was not wearing make-up. He again stated that when he saw the woman she was not smiling. PLISHKA stated that the woman sitting on the rock was seated on a towel, had a book or magazine lying on the rock next to her, and some type of bag or pack. PLISHKA stated that he observed the woman as he drove across the bridge on S.R. 4017. He first drove across the bridge in a westerly direction and then turned around and crossed the bridge a second time headed in an easterly direction. PLISHKA also said that as he was crossing the bridge the second time (heading east) he stopped his vehicle for about two (2) minutes. PLISHKA insisted that when he stopped his vehicle he did not look downstream where the girl was located at any time. PLISHKA said that he only looked upstream in the direction opposite the girl and that he only saw the girl on his original (westerly) crossing of the bridge and only for a brief time. He said he then went home.
Tpr. Herman TODD confronted PLISHKA with PECK'S statement that PLISHKA had not arrived at his residence until later in the day and asked PLISHKA where he was between approximately noon on July 27, 1991 and the time when PECK said he returned to his residence. PLISHKA'S his response was that he did not know where he had gone.
According to what PLISHKA told Trooper Todd on July 28 and 30, 1991, at the time that he observed RONNING sitting on the rock, he was crossing the single lane Tanners Falls Bridge in his truck, (a 1987 Ford Bronco). The distance from the bridge to the rock PLISHKA described is one hundred and twenty (120) feet. A reconstruction of the event described by PLISHKA was performed by officers of the Pennsylvania State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation. This was done in 1992 during the summer months at a similar time of day and with similar lighting conditions. A State Police Officer positioned himself on the rock that had been described by PLISHKA. A State Police officer driving a vehicle of the same make as that of PLISHKA then drove across the bridge in both directions and made an observation of the officer on the rock. This reconstruction determined that it is very difficult, if not impossible, to determine whether or not someone is wearing make-up or if someone is smiling or not. At the distance indicated by PLISHKA (120'=40 yds), it is difficult to discern male or female (depending on clothing) and whether they are reading a magazine, newspaper, etc.
In 2009, this area was measured by PSP personnel utilizing the Total Station Mapping System. This measurement was completed to see what time of visibility existed from the scenario given by PLISHKA, wherein he stated that he was able to observe RONNING on the rock and the subsequent details of RONNING's expression and the items that he observed her possessing. It was determined from the measurements that PLISHKA's window of opportunity to notice/observe RONNING, etc was as follows:
Assuming that he was traveling at the following speeds, the amount of time PLISHKA would have had an unobstructed line of sight to be able to observe RONNING in the place and as he described seeing her would be:
5 mph =±5.5 seconds
l0 mph = ±2.8 seconds
15 mph = ±1.86 seconds
As described by PLISHKA, this would allow a very small window of opportunity for him to initially notice RONNING and to observe the details that he gave on July 28 and 30, 1991 concerning RONNING, especially while operating a vehicle on a single lane bridge.
November 21, 1992
On November 21, 1992 Tpr. Dennis HUNSICKER interviewed Jeffrey PLISHKA at the Honesdale National Guard Armory. During this interview PLISHKA related that he was familiar with the Tanners Falls area and had last been there two to three weeks ago. He liked to go there to zone and relax; he did relate that he did have sex in the water at the falls with a female who had picked him up, this occurred approximately 7 years prior to the incident. At this point Tpr. Joseph JOY joined the interview. At the end of the interview, PLISHKA indicated that he wished to leave and Tpr. JOY asked PLISHKA if he would return at some point to give them the true version of what he did to the girl at the falls. PLISHKA replied that he would think it over, and consult with an attorney, and, then, he would probably give a statement.
On November 22, 1992, a search warrant was served on Jeffrey PLISHKA at his residence by members of the Pennsylvania State Police. Among the items seized were five (5) rifles of .22 caliber, at least one (1) air powered pistol of .22 caliber, other air pistols and ammunition for .22 caliber firearms. Following the service of this warrant, Paul PLISHKA, Sr, also turned over to Pennsylvania State Police at Honesdale a number of pistols of various calibers.
An examination of a casing found at the crime scene disclosed the impression of the letter "F" on the base of the casing. This indicates that the bullet was manufactured by or for the Federal Cartridge Company. A comparison of this stamping, known as a "bunting mark ", with ammunition obtained in the search of the PLISHKA residence, showed that the .22 casing collected on the roadway in close proximity to the body discovery site and at least one (1) of the bullets recovered from the PLISHKA residence were consistent with each other.
One of the rifles (a .22 caliber Magnum Ithaca rifle) that was seized in the search of the PLISHKA residence was determined to have human blood present on the barrel of the weapon. The weapon was sent to the Pennsylvania State Police Crime Laboratory, Ballistics Section, for examination. A report received from Trooper Elwood SPENCER could not rule out this firearm from having fired the projectile recovered in the victim's head, nor from having ejected the casing that was recovered from the crime scene. Additionally, the casing that was recovered has been examined and found to exhibit characteristics consistent with it being "fire- formed"; that is the front of the casing shows expansion from having been fired from a chamber larger than that of a .22 caliber, such as that of a .22 caliber Magnum.
It has been determined that on the day of RONNINGS' murder, a number of people traveled S.R. 4017 and went through the Tanners Falls area from approximately 1210 hrs, with individuals coming and going until late in the evening. Interviews were conducted with all of these individuals; no one reported seeing either RONNING or PLISHKA. RONNING was found to have signed out of the camp on July 27, 1991 at 1100 hours to begin the walk to Tanners Falls. RONNING left the office and first walked to the Volleyball Courts, here she met with Ashley SUMMERS, her bunkmate. SUMMERS walked with RONNING to where the trail started, SUMMERS showed RONNING the trail leading to Tanners Falls as RONNING had never walked to Tanners Falls and was unfamiliar with the trail. The trail walk from Camp Cayuga was timed/walked by Cpl. Gary SHOENER on 07/28/91 and found to take approximately 25 minutes to reach the intersection of SR 4007 and SR 4017. There is still a distance she would have to travel of approximately .7 miles farther to reach the rocks at Tanners Falls where PLISHKA claims to have seen RONNING on 07/27/91 at approximately noon. Therefore, within approximately 70 minutes, RONNING would have had to traverse the distance between the camp and the intersection, walk another .7 mile to the falls, climb down an embankment to the lower rocks, remove clothing, unpack belongings, take up a seated position, be seen at that location by PLISHKA, dress, pack, climb back up the embankment to the roadway and walk approximately .3 mile down S.R, 4017 to the area where the assault occurred and the body was recovered. The time that it took for the assault to occur also needs to be considered. The activities comprising the assault include the initial encounter; some struggle as evidenced by the defensive wounds found on RONNING's body; the infliction of the fatal gunshot; the subsequent movement of the body approximately forty (40) feet from the road down a steep embankment; the further sexual assault and posing of the victim; and, finally, the time it would take for the offender to escape unseen. All of this activity needs to have transpired prior to known witnesses arriving in the immediate area at 1210 hours. Further, Forensic Entomologist K.C. KIM, conducted an examination of insects collected from the remains of the victim. Based upon that examination. Dr. Kirn estimates the time of RONNING's death as being between 1200-1300 hours on July 27, 1991. This window of opportunity for the crime to have occurred corresponds with the time that PLISHKA says he saw RONNING at Tanners Falls on July 27, 1991.
February of 2006
In February of 2006 the investigation was reassigned and at that time all of the evidence was again re- examined by members of the Troop R Criminal Investigation Section along with members of the Troop R Forensic Services Unit. It was determined that significant advances in DNA testing might permit the further testing of the human blood found on the barrel of the .22 caliber Magnum Ithaca rifle seized from the PLISHKA residence on November 22, 1992. Mitochondrial DNA testing was completed on the sample. It was discovered that the sample contained a mixture of DNA. Further, it was determined that RONNING's Mitochondrial DNA profile is one of the many profiles that may be derived from the nucleotide substitutions observed in the mixture. Therefore, Laura RONNING and her maternal relatives cannot be excluded as contributors of the blood. On May 11, 2009 members of the Pennsylvania State Police traveled to Accomack County Virginia, to serve a search warrant on PLISHKA to obtain a sample of his blood for testing. A sample was obtained and sent out for DNA analysis. The blood deposited on the barrel was then compared with the Mitochondrial DNA profile of Jeffrey PLISHKA who was found to be excluded as being a potential donor of that blood. Due to the makeup of Mitochondrial DNA, this result also excludes PLISHKA's natural siblings and mother as potential contributors of the blood found on the gun.
May 12, 2009
On May 12, 2009 Cpl. R. STOUD and Tpr. P. ZIRPOLI re-interviewed PLISHKA at the Accomack County Sheriffs Office. PLISHKA was asked what he remembered about July 27th 1991, he related that he remembered being at home haying the field, he had gone inside and asked his brother Paul to help. Paul told him no. PLISHKA stated that he then took a ride down to the falls to see if any girls were around. He drove across the bridge at Tanners Falls and saw Laura RONNING sitting on the lower rocks. When he came across the bridge he saw a blue colored station wagon parked. No one was inside the station wagon. He turned around, drove back across the bridge and left. He did not remember where he went. Tpr. ZIRPOLI asked him to describe Laura RONNING; he said that she was pretty, wearing a bathing suit but does not remember if she had shorts or jeans on, she was reading a book.
PLISHKA stated that he thought RONNING looked "terrified". He said that he thought about going down and helping her, but did not. When he was asked why he didn't go down to her PLISHKA stated, "Because I did not want to get shot." He was asked why he thought he would be shot, he did not know why he thought this but he did. PLISHKA further described the station wagon as larger model vehicle. He stated that no other vehicles were parked in the area. He was specifically asked if any ATV's or motorcycles were in the area. PLISHKA related that there were no ATV's or motorcycles around and that the only thing parked at the falls was the blue station wagon. Tpr. ZIRPOLI asked PLISHKA if his brother, Paul, had been at the falls on July 27, 1991. PLISHKA replied no, Paul was home then went to work. This statement is the first time that PLISHKA has ever mentioned the presence of a blue station wagon at Tanners Falls when he saw RONNING on July 27, 1991.
Cpl. STOUD and Tpr. ZIRPOLI reviewed PLISHKA'S prior statements with him. PLISHKA confirmed that the prior statements were accurate to his recollection.
The DNA testing procedure was explained to PLISHKA. During this conversation he became anxious to the point that he stood up and started pacing the room. It was explained to him that, if there was any reason that his DNA would be discovered on the victim, he should let the investigators know what that reason was. At this point PLISHKA stopped pacing, crossed his arms and leaned up against the counter. PLISHKA stated"I hope I didn't kill that girl". Cpl. STOUD asked, "What did you say?" PLISHKA immediately repeated, "I hope I didn't kill that girl." Cpl. STOUD asked PLISHKA, "Did you kill her?" PLISHKA replied, "No."
PLISHKA was asked if his DNA would be found on Laura RONNING's body. He stated, "I sure hope not." He was asked this question several times with his answers being "I don't think so" and "It shouldn't be". The DNA was further discussed with PLISHKA explaining to him that his DNA is different from everyone else's, and the only way for it to be found there would be if he had some contact with the victim. He was then asked again if he thought his DNA would be found on RONNING and he replied, "I do not know." During this he denied having any type of contact with the victim, stating that he only saw her from the bridge.
PLISHKA was asked if he would prepare a written statement as to what he remembered. He told us that he would, however, he then said that he would rather have someone write it for him. Cpl. STOUD used a computer to prepare the statement, during the preparation of the statement PLISHKA confirmed that the girl he saw on the rock was definitely Laura RONNING, he had picked her photograph out and it was fresh in his memory. PLISHKA then gave a verbal statement which was typed and presented to him to review. Tpr. ZIRPOLI was finishing the statement with him when PLISHKA stated "I remember that f*cking bitch never waved to me."
At this point PLISHKA asked about the drawing of his blood and wanted to know when it was going to happen. Cpl. STOUD left the interview to check on this. PLISHKA and Tpr. ZIRPOLI started to talk about his former marriage as he is currently divorced. Cpl. STOUD entered the room with Kenneth MORRIS of the Virginia State Police, MORRIS introduced himself. The conversation continued with PLISHKA. The subject of the discussion was the DNA and the blood being drawn. Tpr. ZIRPOLI started going over the DNA with PLISHKA and again asked PLISHKA if his DNA would be found on Laura RONNING. PLISHKA again replied that he didn't know. Tpr. ZIRPOLI told PLISHKA that if he had contact with the victim it was important that he say so since the investigators would need to know so that we would have an understanding as to why his DNA would be there if the results come back positive. PLISHKA asked Tpr. ZIRPOLI what would happen if the DNA found was his and he didn't tell us. Tpr. ZIRPOLI told him that investigators would likely consider it as evidence that PLISHKA was involved in the murder- Tpr. ZIRPOLI again asked if his DNA would be found on Laura RONNING and PLISHKA again replied that he didn't know. Lt. Gerald GOGA and a nurse from the Accomack County Jail entered the room to draw the blood. Tpr. ZIRPOLI told PLISHKA that now was the time to tell us if his DNA would be found on the victim. He stated, "It shouldn't."
The blood was drawn from PLISHKA and he asked for a ride home. Cpl. STOUD and Tpr. ZIRPOLI transported PLISHKA from the Sheriffs Office to his residence. During the ride, Cpl. STOUD asked PLISHKA if the comment he made to Tpr. JOY at the Armory was true. When PLISHKA asked what statement he was referring to, Cpl. STOUD stated that he was referring to the fact that PLISHKA told JOY that he would come back and tell them what he did to the girl after he thought about it and maybe talked with an attorney, PLISHKA replied "yes" he made that statement. PLISHKA then stated, "What should I do if I remember later that I did something?" Cpl. STOUD asked PLISHKA directly if he did anything. PLISHKA replied "I do not know." Cpl. STOUD asked PLISHKA why we should believe that he is telling us the truth. PLISHKA did not have an answer.
PLISHKA currently resides in Onley, Virginia, outside the jurisdiction of this Commonwealth. Your Affiants have made efforts to coordinate with law enforcement authorities in Onley, Virginia to take PLISHKA into custody on the morning of July 30, 2009. Your Affiants anticipate conducting additional interviews at that time as well. The investigation underlying these charges has been the subject of media reports in the past and your Affiants are informed that members of the media had contacted PLISHKA as recently as last year to obtain comment from him regarding this case. As a result, your Affiants believe that grounds exists for sealing this complaint, affidavit .and arrest warrant temporarily to permit authorities to apprehend PLISHKA and conduct additional interviews prior to the public dissemination of the information contained herein.
