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A homicide investigation is underway following the death of a 19-year-old girl Saturday in Cambria County.
Cambria County Coroner Jeff Lees said Jaydin Sanderson, 19, of Ferndale, was found dead in her vehicle at about 11 a.m. Saturday on the 600 block of Wood Street in the Hornerstown Section of Johnstown.
An autopsy conducted Sunday at Forensics DX in Windber discovered the cause of death as a gunshot wound to the head, and Lees said the manner of death has been ruled a homicide.
At this time, a suspect remains at large, and police are seeking the public's assistance.
"We have a 19-year-old whose life was cut short," Cambria County District Attorney Greg Neugebauer said. "We are asking anyone with information to contact (the Johnstown Police Department)."
Lees said Sanderson was discovered sitting in the driver's seat of a black Chevy sedan, slumped over into the passenger seat.
The sedan, which was owned by Sanderson's father, was found parked in the middle of Wood Street. The vehicle was not running when police arrived on scene.
Sanderson was deceased for several hours before she was discovered, with Johnstown Police Detective Sgt. Cory Adams stating he believes she was killed in the "early morning hours."
While police did not release many details, officials said they believe the homicide did occur on that block.
Wood Street is a one-way street, and with moderate traffic in the area, police said they were taken aback that it took several hours before she was discovered.
"We're a little surprised how long it took someone to call," Neugebauer said.
Officials described the incident as tragic, stating Sanderson was completing high school and was working part-time at a local hotel.
"(She was) trying to better herself and be a productive member of our community," Neugebauer said.
Neugebauer said police are seeking any information pertaining to the case, adding that "no piece of information is too small."
Neugebauer declined to comment if there is a lead on any suspects but said two search warrants were obtained Monday morning.
Officials also addressed rumors that have circulated on social media.
Social media can be a helpful tool to law enforcement, Neugebauer said, but he added that rumors do not help criminal investigations and he said any information should be brought to law enforcement, not social media.
"Any information is helpful, even if it is contrary to what the rumors on social media might say," Neugebauer said.
Anyone who had contact with Sanderson Thursday evening or Friday morning is asked to contact police.
"We just need to find out who she was with before everything happened," Adams said.
Investigators are also searching for any information pertaining to the case, with details particularly sought from those who were in the area or have surveillance in the neighborhood.
Anyone with information can text the Johnstown Police Department anonymously at 847411 or call the Cambria County non-emergency number at 814-472-2100.
Mirror Staff Writer Calem Illig is at 814-946-7535.