OLD FORGE, Pa. — The case of who killed Robert Baron of Old Forge is officially closed, according to the Lackawanna County District Attorney's office.
After eight days of court, Justin Schuback was found guilty of first-degree murder by a jury of his peers.
"As disappointed and as devastated as we are, we do respect their decision," said Bernie Brown, Defense Attorney.
"Now, this all puts it all to rest. We know who did it; he acted alone, and he is guilty of first-degree murder," said D.A. Mark Powell, Lackawanna County.
"You know whether it was a robbery gone wrong or something that he ended up being missing for seven to eight years," said George Schneider of Old Forge.
Since Baron's disappearance back on January 26th of 2017, George Schneider says rumors of what happened could be heard throughout the borough. Now, he says the area finally has an answer.
"I think it's closure for everybody and the community also that this has been bound to come to a conclusion," added Schneider.
"I think it's been a long time coming, and it's good that they finally got the verdict out, and the family can move on and maybe get some peace from it all," said Steve Seliga.
Steve Seliga of Revello's Pizza in Old Forge says Schuback's conviction can mean a new start for the family and possibly for the business he says Robert Baron loved.
"Not sure what's going to happen over there, not sure if they're going to move on and reopen or anything, but it's always good to have more pizza in the area."
The family of Robert Baron did not wish to speak with Newswatch16 following the verdict. According to the Department of Health, a health inspection was recently performed at Ghigiarelli's.
It is not known if the restaurant with reopen.