Police: Penn State prof possibly alive for days in quarry

BELLEFONTE, PA -- A police investigator says a Penn State professor who was pushed off an 80-foot rock quarry ledge died slowly and possibly was alive and immobile for up to two days.

State Trooper Brian Wakefield revealed new details Wednesday during a preliminary hearing for one of the two people charged with Ronald Bettig's murder.

Pennlive.com reports Wakefield testified during 39-year-old George Ishler Jr.'s hearing; 32-year-old Danelle Geier waived her hearing.

Police say the two lured Bettig to the quarry Aug. 12 with a story about harvesting marijuana. They believe Ishler pushed him while Geier waited in the car with her toddler son.

Police found Bettig's body Aug. 17, buzzards hovering above it.

Police say the duo thought they'd inherit money after Bettig's death.

Both were ordered to stand trial on murder and related charges.