2 Harford County Men, Dog Shot To Death; PA Murder Suspect Charged

BEL AIR, MD — Two Harford County men and a family dog were shot to death Saturday night in Pylesville, and a Pennsylvania man faces murder charges, authorities said.

Harford County deputies were called to the 1700 block of Scott Road in Pylesville about 8:49 p.m. for the report of two people who had been shot. Authorities found two men suffering from gunshot wounds to the upper body.

Both men were pronounced dead at the scene. The family dog had also been shot and killed.

The victims were identified as Timothy Wayne Witherite, 62, and David Joseph Oktavec, 70, both of Pylesville, the sheriff's office said.

A suspect, identified as Steven M. Nolan, 53, of Pennsylvania, was taken into custody without incident by Pennsylvania State Police, about two hours after the incident.

While the motive remains under investigation, preliminary reports indicates Nolan shot Witherite in the home and shot Oktavec outside of the residence before fleeing, the sheriff's office said.

Harford County Sheriff’s Office Detectives have obtained charges in Maryland for Nolan. He is being held in a Pennsylvania jail pending extradition to Maryland.

Anyone with information about the shootings is asked to call Detective Gividen with the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division, at 443-409-3154. To remain anonymous, you can report information through Metro Crime Stoppers Tipline at 1-866-7Lockup.