Haunted Hills Hayride To Reopen After Teen Slaying

NORTH VERSAILLES, PA — The Haunted Hills Hayride has announced it will maintain regular operating hours as police continue to search for the killer of the 15-year-old teen shot to death there Saturday.

The hayride will reopen at 7 p.m. on Friday as previously scheduled.

"The safety of all persons associated with our family fun oriented event has always been a priority since we started 22 years ago," a post on the attraction's Facebook page stated.

"After meeting with members of our event staff and with an outpouring of support from
the community and our fan base, it has been determined that we cannot let an isolated bad act stop the good of what the Haunted Hills Hayride provides."

Central Catholic High School student Steven Eason of Wilmerding was shot in the chest and stomach after attempting to intervene in a dispute between an acquaintance and another teen who shot them both. Eason died from his wounds; the other teen was shot in the shoulder but survived the shooting.

Funeral arrangements for Eason have not been announced.

Between 50 and 100 people were at in the area of the shooting when it occurred. Anyone who saw the shooting or who has cell phone video of it is asked to contact the county police tip line at 1-833-ALL-TIPS (1-833-255-8477). Callers can remain anonymous.

Reaction to the hayride's decision to reopen was primarily positive on Facebook.

"I was there that night and it was handled very well," Jessica Kress stated."Glad to hear (you are going to) continue. My heart breaks for the family of the young man."

Said Greg Wampler: "Don't ever let these types of people or events change anything. Otherwise, they win."