In the summer of 2023, Jonathan Faidley, a U.S. Army veteran from Somerset County, found himself in an unimaginable situation. After learning from the news that his father, Robbie Saunders, 59, had been fatally shot by police in Ligonier Valley, Faidley sought answers. Saunders, who was disabled and had a history of substance abuse, had been holding a machete on his porch when the incident occurred.
Faidley’s quest for clarity led him to the local police station, where he encountered silence and evasiveness. Despite repeated attempts to obtain crucial information—including the police report, body camera footage, and statements from those involved—he faced resistance.
While Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole Ziccarelli’s office eventually released some information in response to an open-records request, Faidley felt stonewalled and neglected.
Justin Vellucci joins Zac Gibson to explore the challenges Faidley faced in his search for answers and the broader implications of transparency in law enforcement.
This is From the Newsroom.
