A Pennsylvania family's Christmas Eve dispute escalated to gun violence when a man shot his older brother in the groin.
22-year-old Logan Rapsinski was arrested on Dec. 24 and faces charges of attempted homicide, aggravated assault and reckless endangerment, according to court records obtained by Law & Crime.
Butler Township Police responded to the scene around 10 p.m., where they found Rapsinski's 27-year-old brother on the ground with a gunshot wound to the groin. The victim identified Rapsinski as the shooter before being transported to Allegheny General Hospital, where he was listed in stable condition.
The events unfolded after Rapsinski left their home in an agitated state, according to police reports. Concerned for his well-being, the family contacted Butler County Crisis Services while the older brother drove around searching for him.
The victim located Rapsinski in his car nearby. When he approached, Rapsinski allegedly drew a handgun and loaded it. "Are you going to shoot me?" his brother reportedly asked moments before Rapsinski fired and struck him from about 14 feet away.
Rapsinski fled on foot but called 911 shortly afterward, aiding police in locating him. Officers found a .380 semiautomatic Smith & Wesson handgun near him during the arrest.
In a post-Miranda interview, Rapsinski claimed self-defense, alleging his brother had threatened to "beat his (expletive)" despite being unarmed.
Rapsinski remains in custody at Butler County Jail and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Jan. 2, 2025.
