Grand Jury moves to indict man accused in Lewis County murder case

LOWVILLE- A grand jury has filed an indictment against a man for second-degree murder in Lewis County.

According to a release from the District Attorney Office of Jeffery Tompkins, Jacob M. Vanbergen, 24, of Coudersport, PA is faced with a charge of murder in the second-degree.

He’s accused of strangling Brandon Shepker, 39 to death, who was his friend and boss at the time.

The alleged incident occurred on January 6 at the Ridge View Lodge, just outside the village of Lowville, NY.

Investigators reported a fight broke out between the two.

Vanbergen is due back in court for arraignment on June 25.

Lewis County Courthouse image.