CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — A Philadelphia man is behind bars after the Cambria County district attorney said that he was charged in a November homicide.
Dashane White-Ferguson, 25, is accused in the homicide of Barry James Senior, Jr. that occurred on Nov. 6, according to District Attorney Greg Neugebauer. He was charged Friday with one count of general criminal homicide, one count of aggravated assault, one count of robbery, two counts of abuse of a corpse, and one count of tampering with physical evidence.
"White-Ferguson is currently being housed in the Lancaster County Prison, and is expected to be arraigned via video on the charges filed today," a statement from Neugebauer read.
West Hills Regional police were sent to Haws Pike on Route 56 Nov. 6 in Lower Yoder Township after someone called 911 to report a small fire burning in the woods across from a pull-off area.
Firefighters with the Lower Yoder Township Fire Department first arrived at the scene at 2:42 a.m. and immediately requested police as they believed "human remains were on fire," according to court documents. When police arrived, they confirmed that a body was burned and no vehicles were found. They also noted that Senior, the victim, was found without a cell phone or wallet.
Senior was later identified after an autopsy was conducted. Cambria County Coroner Jeff Lees said the cause of death was found to be massive blood loss due to multiple stab wounds. Lees added that it appeared Senior had also been strangled but was set on fire after he had died.
Police noted in court documents that a family member said Senior left their residence in Adams Township at 8:30 p.m. the day prior. The family member added he left with his phone and a light gray 2022 BMW M3.
State police in Lancaster County stopped a BMW on Interstate 76 eastbound on Nov. 6. According to a criminal complaint, the vehicle was found to be registered to Senior. Troopers said they then saw White-Ferguson walking away from the vehicle which they noted it was odd that the driver would be "leaving such a high-value vehicle on the shoulder of Interstate 76."
When questioned by troopers, White-Ferguson allegedly smelled of marijuana and was agitated with the troopers. When searching for information on White-Ferguson, state police found that he had a probation warrant out of Philadelphia for a probation violation.
Troopers noted that White-Ferguson allegedly couldn't tell them who the BMW belonged to and changed his story multiple times about what led up to the traffic stop. White-Ferguson claimed he was driving from Johnstown to Philadelphia and had permission from his cousin to drive the BMW.
When searched, state police found Senior's credit card in White-Ferguson's pocket. Senior's wallet was also later found in the BMW, according to the complaint. A large amount of blood was then found on the rear trunk lid and back seat of the car. When asked about the blood, White-Ferguson claimed it was blood from his cousin's dog. Troopers noted in court documents the family of Senior confirmed they are not related to White-Ferguson and Senior did not have a dog.
White-Ferguson was allegedly seen to have a cut on his left hand and dried blood on his left boot. According to state police, the blood in the back of the car tested positive for human blood.
An investigation into the homicide later found that White-Ferguson bought a car cover for a BMW on the morning of Nov. 6 while driving Senior's car, according to the criminal complaint.
Charges were filed against White-Ferguson by West Hills Regional Police and the Cambria County Detective Bureau. State police, Johnstown police, and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations aided in the investigation against White-Ferguson.
"This investigation again highlights the dedication of law enforcement to bring charges against those who perpetrate violent crimes against our fellow citizens," Neugebauer said. "The assistance of PSP in Lancaster has been instrumental and incredibly valuable, and demonstrates the level of cooperation among federal, state, and local entities for the betterment of our neighborhoods."
Neugebauer offered thoughts and prayers to the Senior family and added that he would "fight for justice for Barry Jr. and those that loved him."
An investigation into the homicide is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call West Hills Regional Police at (814) 255-4145, or Cambria County Detectives at (814) 472-1680.