Johnstown police are providing new details about what led to the fatal domestic-related shooting at a home along Wood Street early Saturday morning.
According to the affidavit, police were initially called to the home, at 4:12 a.m., for reports of a verbal disturbance between 38-year-old Kandace Mervin and 34-year-old Michael Lyles Jr.
Authorities say no signs of physical abuse were observed by the officers and Lyles was removed from the residence and asked to “stay away for the night.”
Police say at approximately 4:54 a.m., 911 dispatchers received another call from Mervin, who stated that Lyles had returned to the residence.
Investigators say the dispatcher reportedly overheard the two arguing on the phone and was told by Mervin that there was a firearm in the home.
Police say while on the phone with the 911 operator, gunshots were heard and the phone went silent.
Authorities say the 911 dispatcher then heard a young boy crying in the background and asked “who shot her?”
Police say the young child then responded, “my mommy’s boyfriend,” referring to Lyles.
Authorities say officers responded to the scene and Lyles was taken into custody after being found approximately two blocks from the home.
Detectives say that when they told Lyles that Mervin was dead, he reportedly “displayed no emotion and acted as if it was all a joke.”
According to online court records, Lyles was arraigned to the Cambria County Prison on charges of criminal homicide, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment and child endangerment.
Online court records also show that Lyles had previously been arrested in January after police say he reportedly assaulted Mervin during an argument at the same Wood Street residence.
His bail was denied in this case and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for later this month.