Tragedy at Lowe’s: Worker Kills Forklift Operator After Months of Harassment!

Scranton, Pennsylvania — A late-night shift at a Lowe’s hardware store turned deadly on June 14 when 36‑year‑old employee Christopher Wasnetsky allegedly shot and killed his coworker, Jeffrey Moeller, while Moeller was operating a forklift.

According to police, Wasnetsky first emailed Lowe’s HR and store management explaining his intentions. He claimed Moeller had harassed him for months and that the shooting could have been prevented if his reports had been taken seriously.

Just after 12:30 a.m., Wasnetsky reportedly walked up to Moeller—aged 44 and a father of three—while he loaded supplies. Surveillance footage shows Wasnetsky firing a 9 mm handgun from around five feet away. Moeller was struck twice in the head and once in the back. After he fell, Wasnetsky shot him again to end his suffering, police say.

Wasnetsky called 911 himself, telling dispatchers, “I was the person that did it,” and admitted he had prepared for the attack, practicing with the weapon in his backyard. He said he had initially planned to kill himself afterward but changed his mind.

Moeller was rushed to hospital but died from his injuries. Colleagues remember him as kindhearted and dedicated—a loving husband and father planning to reconnect with his faith alongside his daughters this Father’s Day. A GoFundMe page has been set up for his family.

Wasnetsky is now charged with first- and third-degree murder and is being held without bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 30.

WHY IT MATTERS

• Workplace safety concerns: Co-workers allege Moeller had previously warned HR about Wasnetsky’s behavior—highlighting gaps in how serious employee complaints are handled.

• Mental health & intervention: Investigators are probing Wasnetsky’s mindset and any prior warnings that could have prevented the tragedy.

• Impact on store operations: The Lowe’s location remained open despite the shooting—raising questions about emergency protocols and staff protection.