A 36-year-old Dalton man has been charged with first-degree murder after shooting and killing a coworker at the Lowe’s Home Improvement store on Viewmont Drive in Scranton during an overnight shift on June 14, 2025.

Christopher Wasnetsky fatally shot Jeffrey Moeller, 44, of Scranton, at approximately 12:36 a.m. Saturday while both men were working at the store. Lackawanna County prosecutors upgraded charges against Wasnetsky on Monday after County Coroner Tim Rowland ruled Moeller’s death a homicide following an autopsy.

The autopsy revealed Moeller suffered three gunshot wounds — one to his back and two to his head. Police found Moeller on the ground in a pool of blood surrounded by four bullet casings in a fenced area of the store known as the lumber yard.

Wasnetsky called 911 to report the shooting, telling the dispatcher according to police reports, “I’d like to report a shooting at Dickson City Lowe’s. I was the person that did it.” When asked why he committed the shooting, Wasnetsky cited months of harassment and other issues.

During a recorded interview with detectives, Wasnetsky admitted he had planned the shooting in advance. He told police he purchased a handgun specifically with the intent to shoot Moeller and practiced using the weapon in his backyard. Wasnetsky indicated his original plan was to shoot Moeller and then turn the gun on himself.

According to the criminal complaint, Wasnetsky approached Moeller while he was operating a forklift and shot him in the chest without warning. When Moeller fell to the ground and asked for help, Wasnetsky told officers he shot him twice more in the head because he did not want him to suffer.

Store surveillance cameras captured the entire incident. The footage showed Moeller working on the forklift when Wasnetsky approached while wheeling a shopping cart. Wasnetsky pulled a handgun from the cart and began shooting from approximately five feet away. After Moeller fell to the ground, Wasnetsky walked closer and fired additional shots.

Police found a Springfield 9mm semiautomatic handgun on the ground near a shopping cart about 30 feet from the victim. The weapon appeared to be unloaded, with a live round and magazine located nearby.

Before the shooting, Wasnetsky sent an email to Lowe’s management and human resources department detailing his planned actions. He indicated in the email that the shooting could have been avoided if someone had addressed what he claimed was ongoing harassment from Moeller.

However, the store manager told investigators that Wasnetsky had filed several harassment complaints against Moeller, but each complaint was investigated and determined to be unfounded. The manager indicated that all of Wasnetsky’s previous complaints lacked merit.

Moeller’s family disputed Wasnetsky’s claims about harassment. Christina Moeller, Jeffrey’s sister, stated through a GoFundMe page that her brother had actually reported troubling comments from Wasnetsky to human resources multiple times. She indicated that despite Jeffrey’s repeated reports about concerning behavior, no action was taken.

The family described the shooting as unprovoked, stating there was no altercation or argument preceding the incident. Christina Moeller emphasized that Jeffrey was simply performing his job duties when his life was taken.

Jeffrey Moeller had been a stay-at-home father to three daughters before taking overnight shifts at Lowe’s so he could spend time with his children during the day. His family described him as devoted to his wife Keisha and daughters, noting he had recently reconnected with his faith and planned to be baptized on Father’s Day alongside his daughters.

Emergency responders transported Moeller to Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton, where he was pronounced dead. Police arrested Wasnetsky at the store entrance without incident.

Wasnetsky now faces charges of first-degree murder, which carries a potential life sentence, and third-degree murder. He remains held at Lackawanna County Prison without bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 30 at 10:30 a.m.

Lowe’s Companies Inc. issued a statement expressing condolences and cooperation with law enforcement. Meagan Bernstein, senior director of external communications, indicated the company considers associate and customer safety their top priority and described the incident as a senseless act of violence.

A GoFundMe campaign established for Moeller’s family had raised over $13,500 toward an $18,000 goal to support his wife and three daughters. Coworkers remembered Moeller as a kind man who worked hard for his family and maintained a positive attitude at work.