Westmoreland Community Action plans outdoor, interactive mystery event

Local banker JR Greenback is found slain in Greensburg’s St. Clair Park, victim of an apparent blow to the head.

Evidence scattered around the body includes a crumpled paper listing names of business leaders and other prominent citizens.

The miserly banker was not well-liked — perhaps not even by his wife.

“I didn’t care for the guy either, but this community cannot live on the edge while a killer is among us,” says the investigating officer.

So, whodunnit?

Westmoreland Community Action invites amateur sleuths to solve the case during an interactive murder mystery fundraiser, beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday in St. Clair Park, on Maple Avenue in downtown Greensburg.

Participants will search for clues posted at nine walkable locations forming a loop in the surrounding area.

The first team or individual to solve the case and report back to organizers in the park will win a cash prize. The contest runs through 3 p.m.

“We’re turning downtown Greensburg into a combination of the ‘Amazing Race’ and a giant board game of Clue,” said Toni Antonucci, WCA director of advancement and development.

Participants will receive an information packet with a newspaper article about the case.

Actors will be present at each of the game’s locations to answer questions. The grieving widow, Belladonna Greenback, will be portrayed by Renata Marino of Westmoreland Performing Arts.

At two stations, participants will be able to purchase an extra clue, if needed.

Although the mystery event is taking place on the same day as the Greensburg ArtsWalk, the timing is coincidental, Antonucci said.

“It’s turning out to be a good thing, though,” she said. “It’s another way to interact with the ArtsWalk. Theater is art, too.”

The setting for “Who Killed JR?” is July 30, 1975. Participants are invited to get into the spirit of the event by dressing in vintage ’70s style.

The activity is suitable for all ages, Antonucci noted.

Tickets are $25, or $10 for ages 6-10. To purchase, click on “Whodunnit” at westmorelandca.org.

Proceeds benefit WCA programs and services for low-income individuals, children and families designed to better the conditions under which clients live, learn and work.