Published: December 12, 2007 10:05 pm      

Shooting victim ‘did not deserve to die this way,' family says

The Elton man gunned down Sunday night in his home has been described by his family as a caring person who was willing to help others.

Scott Ickes, 51, a stone mason, allegedly was fatally shot by Antonio Winkleman, a 25-year-old Johnstown man who had been staying temporarily at Ickes’ house.

Winkleman fled the scene after the shooting and remained at large Wednesday on charges including first-degree murder. He is considered armed and dangerous.

In a statement e-mailed to The Tribune-Democrat, Ickes’ family said that, for 35 years, he had worked in his trade, building foundations, garages and fireplaces. He also taught the trade to many others, the statement said.

He was president of the Elton Community Association, working to obtain funding and then building a pavilion and basketball court there.

“He helped many people over the years. He was the guy who lent a tool, a helping hand or his strong back to a neighbor in need,” the statement read, adding that Ickes’ daughter, Sheena, was the “love of his life.”

“We did not turn a blind eye to the fact that Scott made some bad choices and sometimes followed a wrong path,” the statement read. “But who has not made a mistake in their lives? He was loved by many for his fine qualities and did not deserve to die this way. We have a deep hole in our hearts at his loss.”

A funeral service for Ickes will be held at 11 a.m. today at Henderson Funeral Home-East Hills, 2503 Bedford St.

Authorities have not disclosed a motive in the case.

Investigators returned to the murder scene Tuesday night for a second search of the house and left with guns and boxes stuffed with large evidence envelopes sealed with red tape.

The search warrant, the probable cause to obtain it and an inventory of what was seized was sealed and filed at the clerk of court’s office in Ebensburg.

“I realize the community is curious. But we can’t disclose everything we’re doing as we prepare our case,” District Attorney Patrick Kiniry said.

The $2,000 reward for information leading to Winkleman’s capture has not yet produced any specific tips, Kiniry said. “The police are hitting the streets and following up on leads,” he said.

State troopers and Adams Township police also continued to look for Winkleman’s girlfriend, Heather Head, 20, who has been charged with helping Winkleman to flee after the shooting.

A tips line has been set up: 471-6500.