A Pennsylvania man has been arrested after authorities alleged he intentionally pursued and fatally struck his ex-wife’s boyfriend with a pickup truck following a heated argument on Facebook Messenger.
Ryan Thompson, 47, faces multiple criminal charges in connection with the death of Roy Holliday, 53, who died after his motorcycle was hit on July 16 in Sewickley Township, Pennsylvania.
According to the Pennsylvania State Police, officers responded to reports of a crash on Lowber Road, where they found Holliday seriously injured next to his wrecked motorcycle. He suffered a severe head injury and was transported to a nearby hospital at approximately 7 p.m. Despite medical treatment, he died from his injuries the following day.
Surveillance Footage Allegedly Shows Truck Striking Motorcycle
Investigators say surveillance video captured the moments leading up to the collision. According to court documents, the footage showed a pickup truck following Holliday’s motorcycle at close range before crashing into it from behind.
Police later identified the pickup truck as one linked to Thompson.
Ex-Wife Helped Investigators Identify Suspect
Authorities said Thompson’s ex-wife, who was dating Holliday at the time, contacted investigators after the crash.
She told police Thompson had called her earlier that day to discuss paying household bills. According to her statement, Holliday overheard the conversation and became jealous.
Later that day, Holliday left the home on his motorcycle.
The woman also told investigators that Thompson called her again afterward, apologized, said he loved her, and asked her to take care of their son and their dog. She further reported that Thompson told her she “would not be seeing him again,” prompting concern. She informed officers they would likely find him and his pickup truck at his residence.
Truck Found With Fresh Front-End Damage
When investigators went to Thompson’s home, they reportedly found the pickup truck seen in the surveillance footage parked in the driveway.
According to court records, officers observed fresh damage to the vehicle’s front bumper.
During questioning, Thompson allegedly told police he believed he heard Holliday revving his motorcycle outside his home and decided to follow him. When investigators began asking about the fatal crash, Thompson reportedly invoked his right to an attorney, ending the interview.
Phone Records and Facebook Messages Became Key Evidence
Police said phone records confirmed that Thompson and Holliday were in the same area at the time of the crash.
Investigators also examined both men’s cellphones and reportedly uncovered a heated exchange through Facebook Messenger shortly before the incident.
According to court documents, Thompson allegedly messaged Holliday claiming he was at the ex-wife’s home with her. Authorities believe Holliday left the residence on his motorcycle after reading the message, and Thompson later followed him before the fatal collision occurred.
Charges and Court Appearance
Thompson has been charged with:
- Criminal homicide
- Aggravated assault by vehicle
- Homicide by vehicle
- Recklessly endangering another person
- Reckless driving
He is currently being held without bail at the Westmoreland County Jail.
Court records show Thompson is scheduled to appear in court again on July 27 as the homicide case moves forward.
