The brutal murder of Tyler Barber, featured in The Real Murders on Elm Street Season 2 Episode 5, exposed how paranoia and betrayal within a small Pennsylvania community led to an unthinkable tragedy. This heartbreaking case reminds us that real-life horror often surpasses fiction.
Table of Contents
Tyler Barber Murder Case Overview: A Night That Turned Fatal
| Case Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Tyler Scott Barber, 28 years old |
| Date of Incident | September 1, 2022 |
| Location | Great Bend Township, Susquehanna County, PA |
| Remains Found | November 28, 2022 |
| Convicted | 5 suspects (1 died before sentencing) |
| Episode Title | “Savage Woods” |
| Air Date | October 29, 2025 |
The Victim: Tyler Barber’s Life
Tyler Barber was a 28-year-old barber and father known for his kindness, who often provided haircuts free of charge to those in need. According to his mother Tammy, Tyler was a good person who unfortunately fell into the “wrong crowd” but remained a loving father to his young child.
On September 1, 2022, Barber visited an apartment on Elm Street in Susquehanna Depot with $160 from a recent settlement. What began as a casual hangout with acquaintances quickly spiraled into a nightmare.
The Crime: Drug Paranoia Turns Deadly
The group accused Barber of being a police informant, kidnapped him, drove him to remote woods in Great Bend Township, bound him to a tree, robbed him of his $160, and beat him with fists, sticks, and a baseball bat until he was left for dead. The perpetrators—Blaze Corter, Matthew Baker, John Sullivan, Daniel Williams, and Nikalos Petrich—then stripped him and abandoned him on a rural road.
The false accusation stemmed from Barber being questioned by police earlier that day about drugs, though he was released as innocent. When another person from their apartment was arrested, the group wrongly assumed Barber had “snitched.”
Investigation Breakthrough
Tyler’s skull and partial remains were discovered nearly three months later by a hunter, launching a murder investigation that exposed layers of paranoia and violence. Pennsylvania State Police shifted from a missing person case to homicide after the November 28 discovery.
The breakthrough came when Matthew Baker, overwhelmed by guilt, confessed and provided crucial details including the baseball bat’s location. Cell phone data, burned clothing fragments, and DNA evidence tied all suspects to the crime scene.
Justice Served: Sentencing Details
Four men were sentenced in February 2025: Nikalos Petrich and Daniel Williams each received 15 to 40 years after pleading guilty to third-degree murder; Blaze Corter received 20 to 40 years for conspiracy to commit murder; and Matthew Baker was sentenced to 7 years and 11 months to 32 years. John Sullivan died in prison before sentencing, while Tracee Joe Shimer received 5 to 23 months for hindering apprehension.
Barber’s family expressed frustration with what they considered lenient sentences, with his uncle stating the killers received “a slap on the wrist” for such a brutal crime.
Watch the Episode
The Real Murders on Elm Street Season 2 Episode 5 “Savage Woods” is available for streaming on Investigation Discovery and HBO Max. The documentary features exclusive interviews with investigators and Tyler’s family, providing deeper insight into this tragic case.
For more true crime coverage, explore our latest crime documentaries and Investigation Discovery features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Tyler Barber in Pennsylvania?
Tyler Barber was kidnapped from an Elm Street apartment on September 1, 2022, after being falsely accused of being a police informant. He was taken to remote woods, tied to a tree, beaten with baseball bats and sticks, robbed of $160, and left to die. His remains were discovered three months later by a hunter.
Where are Tyler Barber’s killers now?
The convicted killers are serving time in various Pennsylvania state correctional institutions. Blaze Corter is at SCI Mahanoy, Matthew Baker at SCI Waymart, Daniel Williams at SCI Benner Township, and Nikalos Petrich at SCI Huntingdon. John Sullivan died in prison before his scheduled sentencing hearing.
