Watch CBS News

DA Plans To Pursue Death Penalty For Triple Murder Suspect

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – A man charged in three murders could get the highest punishment possible, if convicted, after the District Attorney announced his intentions today.

On a cold snowy March night last year 36-year-old Jamarow Trowery, of Homewood, and 19-year-old Rashad Freeman of Verona were shot and killed inside a black Escalade on Kincaid Street in Garfield.

At the time police said the two victims were friends.

Theodore Smedley, 20, of Troy Hill, was indicted by a grand jury earlier this month in the deaths of the two men.

Now District Attorney Stephen Zappala says there are enough aggravating circumstances against Smedley, including a history of felony convictions, for his office to file paperwork showing intent to seek the death penalty against Smedley.

Smedley was already in the County Jail, facing homicide charges in another homicide case. Police say he is responsible for the death of 18-year-old Rasheed Strader, just one day earlier in March of last year as well.

Strader was shot and killed on Goettman Street.

Smedley was arrested in that case two weeks after the shooting.

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.