A tragic workplace shooting at a Lowe’s store near Scranton, Pennsylvania, has left one man dead and another facing first-degree murder charges.
Christopher Wasnetsky, 36, is accused of walking up to his co-worker, Jeffrey Moeller, while Moeller was operating a forklift, and shooting him dead.
Authorities say Wasnetsky had sent an email to human resources just before the shooting, explaining that the murder was the result of months of unresolved harassment and mistreatment by his colleague.
The Incident and Immediate Confession
On June 14, 2025, at approximately 12:30 a.m., Scranton police responded to the Lowe’s on Viewmont Drive after receiving a call about a shooting.
Officers found 44-year-old Moeller lying in a pool of blood with gunshot wounds to his head and back. Paramedics rushed him to the hospital, but he was pronounced dead shortly afterward.
What followed was an immediate confession from the suspect. Wasnetsky, after shooting Moeller, reportedly called 911, saying, “I’d like to report a shooting at Dickson City Lowe’s.
I was the person that did it.” When the dispatcher asked why he committed the crime, Wasnetsky allegedly blamed months of harassment, stating that no one had taken his complaints seriously.
Motive and Background
Wasnetsky’s frustration with Moeller appeared to be the driving force behind the murder. According to police, Wasnetsky said he had been harassed by Moeller for an extended period, and despite reporting it to HR multiple times, no action had been taken.
He reportedly brought a handgun to work that day, planning to shoot Moeller and then turn the weapon on himself. Authorities also learned that Wasnetsky had practiced with the gun at his home before bringing it to the store.
The shooting was caught on surveillance footage, which showed Moeller on the forklift when Wasnetsky approached him with a shopping cart. Wasnetsky then pulled out the gun and shot Moeller from about five feet away. After Moeller collapsed, Wasnetsky allegedly stood over him and fired additional shots.
Alleged Harassment and Lack of Action
In the wake of Moeller’s death, his sister, Christina Moeller, expressed outrage over the allegations of harassment and the apparent lack of action from Lowe’s.
She described how her brother had repeatedly reported concerns to HR about troubling comments made by Wasnetsky. Despite these complaints, nothing was done, and Moeller was ultimately killed by his co-worker.
In a statement on a GoFundMe page set up in her brother’s memory, Christina Moeller wrote, “To our knowledge, the individual had been making troubling comments directed at Jeffrey. Despite Jeffrey’s repeated reports, nothing was done.”
She also reflected on the type of person her brother was, describing him as a loyal and dedicated family man who loved his three daughters dearly. Moeller had worked the overnight shift at Lowe’s to be with his daughters during the day.
Lowe’s Response and Community Reaction
Lowe’s has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident. In a statement to local media, the company stated, “The safety of our associates and customers is our top priority, and we are deeply saddened by this senseless act of violence.”
They also confirmed that they are working closely with law enforcement as the investigation continues.
The community has also been shaken by the loss of Moeller, who was described as a loving father and devoted husband. His sister emphasized how he had recently reconnected with his faith and had planned to be baptized with his daughters on Father’s Day.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
Christopher Wasnetsky has been charged with first-degree murder and third-degree murder in connection with Moeller’s death. He is currently being held without bond at the Lackawanna County Prison. His next court appearance is scheduled for June 30, 2025. The case remains under investigation as authorities examine the details of the ongoing conflict between Wasnetsky and Moeller.
The tragic killing of Jeffrey Moeller highlights the devastating consequences of unresolved workplace conflicts and the importance of taking complaints of harassment seriously.
Wasnetsky’s actions have forever altered the lives of Moeller’s family and colleagues, leaving a community in mourning and calling for justice. As the case moves forward, questions remain about how such a senseless act of violence could have been prevented.
