Shavertown, Pennsylvania — More than 14 years after a brutal stabbing that shocked a local community, authorities have arrested Frederick P. Balester, alleging he murdered his cousin over a business dispute. The 69-year-old is accused of killing 56-year-old Jonathan Balester, who was a significant shareholder in the family business, Balester Optical Co., which was embroiled in a contentious sale discussion at the time of his death.
Jonathan Balester was found dead in his home on May 26, 2011, with 17 stab wounds to his back. Police say his cousin’s motive stemmed from frustration over Jonathan’s refusal to agree to the sale of the optical company to Essilor USA, a major optical lens manufacturer. Despite several offers over the years, Jonathan consistently opposed the sale, ultimately blocking a deal valued at nearly $5 million, according to court documents.
In October 2022, authorities announced a $5,000 reward for information regarding Jonathan’s death. Following a renewed investigation, Frederick Balester was arrested on charges of criminal homicide. According to the police complaint, Frederick had expressed intense anger over Jonathan’s stance on the sale and even created an email account containing a derogatory reference to him.
Witnesses reported suspicious behavior from Frederick Balester after Jonathan was found dead. He initially claimed he hadn’t visited his cousin’s home in a long time but later admitted to being there the previous night for what he characterized as a secret meeting about the business sale. Family members who checked on Jonathan after he failed to attend a scheduled company meeting discovered his body.
Evidence discovered by investigators includes a receipt for a high-voltage stun gun and the stun gun itself, found in Frederick’s home. In December 2022, authorities identified previously overlooked injuries on Jonathan’s body that matched the pattern of a stun gun, raising questions about the nature of his death.
Further forensic investigation revealed Frederick Balester’s DNA on gloves found at the crime scene, linking him more closely to the murder. The details of the case suggest financial motives may have driven the alleged crime, as the successful sale of Balester Optical went through shortly after Jonathan’s death, enriching Frederick.
Magisterial District Judge Brian J. Tupper arraigned Frederick Balester on Monday and denied him bail due to the severity of the charges. He is currently being held at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility, with a preliminary hearing set for March 13.
Authorities continue to seek information from the public regarding this case. Anyone with relevant details is encouraged to contact local state police.