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Murder Suspect Escapes From W. Va. Psychiatric Hospital

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Police are looking for a murder suspect who escaped from a West Virginia psychiatric hospital.

The Brooke County, W. Va. Sheriff confirms police are looking for 30-year-old Rocco Zuccaro.

Zuccaro was being held at Sharpe Psychiatric Hospital in Weston, W.Va.

He's also awaiting trial on first-degree murder charges involving a homicide in Brooke County last year.

The sheriff says Zuccaro is accused of shooting and killing Jason Pratz. Zuccaro was at the hospital being evaluated to see if he's competent to stand trial.

After he scaled a wall late Monday, police used tracking dogs and a helicopter to try to find him.

Authorities say they believe Zuccaro may be heading to Washington County, Pa. He is originally from Burgettstown.

"He's very capable of planning, if he's out on the run, he's very capable of making his way through the woods and stealing clothing or whatever he needs to do to stay out in the woods for a while," said Brooke County Sheriff Chuck Jackson. "And he's very capable of eluding the police. I believe Rocco Zuccaro is a very plotting, controlling person. I know there have been times when he's been evaluated for his psychological well being."

Zuccaro's family did not want to comment on the situation.

Zuccaro is described as 6 feet tall, 170 pounds with glasses and a mustache. He was wearing black pants with a rip on the left leg and a dark pullover.

Stay with KDKA for more information.

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