Jakob Michael Korber is a 29-year-old Pennsylvania man charged with criminal homicide in the death of his mother, Christin Hamilton, at their Sewickley Township home in Westmoreland County. Pennsylvania State Police allege Korber beat Hamilton for more than an hour on the front porch while she pleaded for help, using his hands, feet and objects found nearby. The assault was captured on a home surveillance camera. Korber was arrested later that day after an hours-long search and is being held without bail at the Westmoreland County Prison.
Christin Hamilton Found Dead
Hamilton Was Found Dead On August 30, 2026. Pennsylvania State Police responded to a residence on Herminie West Newton Road in Sewickley Township after a relative called 911 and reported finding Hamilton severely injured and unresponsive on the front porch. [Westmoreland County DA]
Hamilton’s Daughter Found Her Mother’s Body. According to the criminal complaint, Hamilton’s daughter searched the home after being unable to locate her mother and found her on the porch around 9 a.m. with extensive injuries and a significant amount of blood nearby. [Daily Voice]
Hamilton Was Pronounced Dead At The Scene. First responders were unable to save her after arriving at the home. [Westmoreland County DA]
Surveillance Video Captures Alleged Attack
Investigators Say A Home Camera Recorded The Assault. Pennsylvania State Police reviewed surveillance footage showing Korber and Hamilton arguing outside the residence before the confrontation allegedly became violent. [Westmoreland County DA]
Police Say The Alleged Beating Lasted More Than An Hour. Trooper Steve Limani said the video showed Korber assaulting his mother for more than an hour while she repeatedly pleaded for her life. [CBS Pittsburgh]
Korber Allegedly Used His Hands, Feet And Objects From The Porch. State police said the footage showed him striking Hamilton with his hands and feet and using multiple objects located outside the home. [Westmoreland County DA]
Police Say Hamilton Could Be Heard Calling For Help. Limani said Hamilton’s cries were audible on the recording, although apparently no one nearby heard them while the assault was occurring. [CBS Pittsburgh]
Hamilton Was Beginning Her Morning
Police Say Hamilton Was Wearing A Towel When The Attack Began. Investigators said the surveillance video appeared to show her beginning her morning while wearing a towel, having coffee and letting a dog outside. [CBS Pittsburgh]
The Attack Allegedly Began After Korber Confronted Her. Police described the encounter as beginning with an argument before escalating into the prolonged assault. [Westmoreland County DA]
The Assault Allegedly Continued After Hamilton’s Towel Came Off. Police said Korber ripped off or caused the towel to come away during the attack, leaving Hamilton exposed on the porch. [CBS Pittsburgh]
Korber Allegedly Leaves The Scene
Police Say Korber Changed Clothes After The Attack. Investigators believe he changed clothing before leaving the property. [CBS Pittsburgh]
Korber Allegedly Went To Sleep In A Nearby Field. Trooper Limani said investigators believe Korber left the residence and slept in a field while authorities searched for him. [CBS Pittsburgh]
Police Search For Jakob Korber
State Police Publicly Sought Korber After Hamilton Was Found Dead. Authorities released his photograph and asked members of the public to call 911 if they spotted him in the area. [CBS Pittsburgh]
Korber Was Spotted Walking Near The Residence. Neighbors reported seeing him walking along Herminie West Newton Road later that evening. [CBS Pittsburgh]
Jakob Korber Arrest
Korber Was Taken Into Custody On August 30. Police arrested him Sunday evening after he walked back toward the area surrounding his mother’s home. [Westmoreland County DA]
KDKA Cameras Recorded Korber Surrendering. Video showed Korber approaching police before kneeling and placing his hands over his head as troopers moved in to arrest him. [CBS Pittsburgh]
Police Said He Was Arrested Without Incident. Authorities did not report any resistance during the arrest. [CBS Pittsburgh]
Korber’s Alleged Statement To Police
Police Say Korber Made A Statement Linking Himself To Hamilton’s Death. Trooper Limani said that during an interview after his arrest, Korber stated that if his mother was dead, he was the person responsible. [CBS Pittsburgh]
Investigators Said Korber Showed Some Remorse During The Interview. Limani said there appeared to be a limited expression of remorse, but emphasized the length and severity of the alleged assault. [CBS Pittsburgh]
Criminal Homicide Charge
Korber Is Charged With One Count Of Criminal Homicide. The Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office announced the charge following his arrest. [Westmoreland County DA]
Additional Charges Could Still Be Filed. Pennsylvania State Police said the investigation remains active and that prosecutors may add charges as the case develops. [CBS Pittsburgh]
Bail Denied
Korber Was Denied Bail After His Arraignment. Magisterial District Judge John E. Christner ordered him held without bail after the court concluded he posed a threat to society. [Daily Voice]
Korber Is Being Held At The Westmoreland County Prison. He remained in county custody as of September 1, 2026. [CBS Pittsburgh]
Preliminary Hearing
Korber’s Preliminary Hearing Is Scheduled For September 14, 2026. The hearing is set for 9:15 a.m. and will determine whether prosecutors have sufficient evidence for the homicide charge to proceed further in court. [Daily Voice] [CBS Pittsburgh]
Case Status
The Murder Case Is At An Early Stage. As of September 1, 2026, Korber has been arrested, arraigned and charged with criminal homicide but has not been convicted.
The Investigation Remains Active. Pennsylvania State Police and the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office continue to investigate Hamilton’s death and have indicated that further charges remain possible. [Westmoreland County DA]
The Charge Remains An Allegation. Korber is presumed innocent unless and until he is convicted in court. [Westmoreland County DA]
One of the first political bloggers in the world, Oliver Willis has operated OliverWillis.com since 2000. Contributor at Media Matters for America and The American Independent. Follow on Twitter at @owillis. Full bio.