Pennsylvania man Steven Gaddis sentenced for murdering police informant with lethal fentanyl dose, dumping body off bridge

A tragic incident unfolded in Pennsylvania, where a man named Steven Gaddis is facing a sentence of up to 100 years in prison for his involvement in the brutal murder of 25-year-old Matthew Whisman. The heinous crime involved beating the victim, injecting him with a lethal dose of fentanyl, and ultimately throwing his body off a bridge.

Gaddis, along with Whisman’s cousins, Alexander Whisman and Jeremy Absher, were arrested and charged with the murder in connection with Whisman’s plan to cooperate with authorities investigating a shooting in Maryland. The incident took place in East Drumore Township, located 65 miles west of Philadelphia.

According to court documents, Gaddis discovered a message on Whisman’s phone indicating his intention to work with the police. In response, Gaddis, along with the other two men, viciously beat Whisman, forced him to shower to remove any evidence, and then injected him with fentanyl after a chilling remark about his “last supper.”

The trio then disposed of Whisman’s body by throwing it off a bridge. The investigation into Whisman’s disappearance began when a witness came forward with information implicating Gaddis, Alexander Whisman, and Absher in the crime. Whisman’s remains were eventually found by a camp counselor near a creek in Cecil County, Maryland.

All three suspects were charged with multiple offenses, including murder, kidnapping, and witness intimidation. Absher had fled to South Carolina but was extradited back to Lancaster County to face charges. Alexander Whisman and Gaddis were already in custody on unrelated charges at the time of their arrest.

Reports indicate that all three men were heavy drug users, with Gaddis allegedly high on methamphetamine at the time of the murder. In addition to his involvement in Whisman’s death, Gaddis also pleaded guilty to charges related to a shooting at a house party in Quarryville, Pennsylvania.

As Gaddis awaits sentencing for his crimes, Absher and Alexander Whisman are still awaiting trial. Absher is scheduled to appear in court on April 23. The tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of drug abuse and violence in our communities.