PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — The investigation continues today following the arrest of a suspect in connection to a murder and arson in Penn Hills.

Akeem Page-Jones, 16, is facing multiple charges including criminal homicide, arson, reckless endangerment and possession of a firearm by a minor. He’s being charged as an adult.

At a news conference today, Allegheny County Police said they are now talking with the District Attorney’s Office about possibly adding additional charges, including robbery and burglary.

Meanwhile, fire marshals returned to the scene on Azalea Drive Friday morning, making sure nothing was overlooked as police build their case. Page-Jones is accused of shooting 17-year-old Teesa Williams inside her Penn Hills home on Tuesday and then setting it on fire.

“This young girl shot in the house and put on fire, that’s cruel,” said Diane Johnson, a neighbor of the suspect. “That’s beyond juvenile delinquency. That’s pure evil.”

Police say Jones attends an alternative behavioral school.

The teenage suspect lives on Highpoint Drive, not far from the victim’s home. Neighbors say he lived there with his grandparents.

“The police go there on a regular basis. I don’t interact with them,” added Johnson. “They’re venom.”

Police initially interviewed Page-Jones the day of the fire.

Investigators say they looked at cell phone records and found that Jones and Williams had had contact just hours before firefighters discovered her body.

Detectives also found spent shell casings from a .22 caliber pistol inside the home. According to police, Jones had pictures on this cell phone of him posing with a gun and authorities matched that gun through ballistics testing to the shell casing found at the scene.

Next door to the burnt home, neighbor Melissa Taylor is relieved police made an arrest so quickly.

“For that, I’m thankful. That was very comforting for myself, as well as the neighbors,” said Taylor. “I’m sure as well as the family. That should give her some comfort, but nothing can ever get back the loss of a child.”

Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Laketon United Methodist Church on Frankstown Road. Visitation is planned for Saturday from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. with a memorial service at 1 p.m.

RELATED LINKS:
Allegheny County Police
Penn Hills

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