Man’s death ruled a homicide

MERCER, Pa. — The Mercer County coroner has ruled the death of a man whose body was found in woods in Greene Township a homicide.

Howard Urquhart, 60, of 347 Hadley Road, Greenville, who was found dead Feb. 20, died from a gunshot wound to the neck, said Coroner J. Bradley McGonigle III.

The Pennsylvania State Police at Mercer said it is expected to be several weeks before the full autopsy and toxicology reports become available.

Urquhart was reported missing Jan. 15, state police said.

On Feb. 19, police got a tip that Urquhart’s body was in the woods. After searching that night and the next day, his body was found. Participating in the search were the state police, Hempfield Township police, Mercer County Sheriff’s Department and the Mercer County district attorney’s office. The coroner’s office and the Jamestown Volunteer Fire Department also were at the scene.

Urquhart’s body was taken to the Erie County Medical Examiner’s office, and an autopsy was conducted there today.

The investigation into the death is continuing. Anyone having information is asked to call the state police at (724) 662-6162.