Investigators: Despite additional details, Adams Street death and Little Conemaugh skull cases continue | Cambria County

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – The investigation into two separate deaths found in Cambria County is still “undetermined” but highly suspicious, investigators said Wednesday.

Investigators hope the community can provide clues that will help authorities complete the missing pieces of the puzzle in the unrelated cases.

Investigators believe drugs were involved in the death of Johnstown resident Greg Rohn, whose body was found hidden in a crawl space and wrapped in a heavy-duty “tarp” on June 29.

Fentanyl was found in Rohn's body, but a toxicology test could not determine whether the concentration was high enough to kill him, said Cambria County Coroner Jeff Lees.

A forensic examination found no signs of trauma, but Cambria County District Attorney Greg Neugebauer said that does not mean the death is no longer suspicious.

Whether Rohn overdosed, suffered another medical emergency or died in some other way, “he did not wrap himself in the tarp,” Lees added.

According to investigators, this tarp was also stored in a crawl space on the third floor.

“I've never seen a body as hidden as this one,” Johnstown Police Detective Cory Adams said in an interview in July after Rohn's identity was confirmed.

“Even if you had looked at the spot where the body was discovered, you wouldn't have seen it. It was very well hidden.”

Neugebauer said it was too early to say whether the incident was a case of “desecration of a corpse” or something that would result in more serious charges.

He said authorities have “working theories” about how Rohn died at the Old Conemaugh Borough residence, but none they can disclose.

“But we would like to know a little more,” Neugebauer said, calling on the public to disclose all possible information, no matter how trivial it may seem.

Skull examination

Two months after authorities positively identified Michael Theys Jr. of Mineral Point from a skull found on the Little Conemaugh River, the investigation into his death is still ongoing, Lees said.

An examination by forensic anthropologist Dennis Dirkmaat found no signs of injury to Theys' skull, but without further evidence or skeletal remains to examine, the death remains “unexplained,” Lees said.

“It's frustrating on many levels. We have very limited resources to work with,” he said, noting that with the skull alone, his office would not be able to close the case.

Neugebauer said the death remains “highly suspicious” and the investigation is ongoing to find more answers – and hopefully more remains.

He said several searches were conducted, including those with trained cadaver dogs. A nearby rail corridor was also searched with assistance from Norfolk Southern, but to no avail.

Given the storm-related flooding the region experienced prior to the skull's discovery in the Conemaugh Township riverbed, authorities are aware that this may be a “large search area,” Neugebauer said.

It is hoped that additional information could allow law enforcement to narrow the search or provide additional clues in solving Theys' death.

He said county detectives have already received assistance from the public and information provided by the public could help them verify these statements or theories.

To get in touch, contact the Cambria County Criminal Investigation Division at 814-472-1680.

Lees and Neugebauer said a key goal is to provide closure – the “how” and the “why” – to the two families who lost loved ones in the two deaths.

“We would like to give these families those answers,” Neugebauer said, noting that his office will prosecute them if crimes are committed. “We want to provide (their families) with as much closure as possible.”