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Police: Suspect Demanded Percocet, Money Before Shooting Victim In Wooded Area

BURGETTSTOWN (KDKA) -- Police have charged a suspect in connection with the murder of a man whose body was found in the woods of Washington County.

The Washington County coroner says the body of 21-year-old Ryan Ramirez was found around 10 p.m. Thursday in a wooded area of Hanover Township.

Police said Ramirez died of an apparent gunshot wound.

Allegheny County Police late on Friday afternoon charged 22-year-old Kristopher Lott with kidnapping and homicide in Ramirez's death.

kristopher-lott
(Photo Credit: KDKA)

Relatives reported Ramirez missing on Thursday, but he hadn't been seen since Monday.

According to police, that's the day he was robbed, kidnapped and killed.

According to Ramirez's Facebook page, he grew up in Los Angeles, graduated from Montour High School and attended Duquesne University.

But, according to an unnamed witness, Ramirez met Lott on Monday afternoon to allegedly sell him Percocet, investigators said.

According to police, "Lott asked for Percocets," and then "demanded money" from Ramirez. Police say Lott forced the victim to drive to an "ATM to withdraw money."

Eventually, authorities say the pair drove to some game lands off of Stuebenville Pike in Hanover Township. Police say that's where the witness reported hearing "a single gunshot."

That's where Ramirez's body was eventually found.

In the meantime, Lott was pulled over by police and arrested for possessing a gun and drug paraphernalia. He was already in the Allegheny County Jail when police charged him in the death.

He is facing multiple counts including homicide, kidnapping, robbery and other charges.

KDKA's Paul Martino spoke with Ramirez's brother Friday evening. He said the family needs a break right now and they declined to talk on camera.

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