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3 held for trial in 2011 shooting death of Penn Hills man
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A district judge today held three men for trial in connection with the 2011 killing of a Penn Hills man.
Two detectives and a witness testified today at a preliminary hearing that the three men -- Anthony Jefferson, 21, address unknown; Azsion Upshur, 21, of the Hill District; and Raymond Pendleton 21, also of the Hill District -- planned to rob Joseph Boone, 38, on Nov. 24, 2011.
A witness, James Anderson, testified that Mr. Pendleton lured Mr. Boone inside an apartment building in the 2100 block of Bentley Drive by asking if he could buy marijuana. Mr. Pendleton called the other two men and told them to come, Mr. Anderson testified.
After Mr. Upshur and Mr. Jefferson arrived, Mr. Anderson said Mr. Jefferson pointed a "trey pound" .357 revolver at his face and told him to run.
Mr. Anderson and Mr. Pendleton ran off.
After hearing a gun shot, Mr. Anderson said he and Mr. Pendleton went back to the apartment building and saw Mr. Upshur nearby and Mr. Jefferson standing over Mr. Boone at the stairs directly across the street from 2112 Bentley Drive, according to the criminal complaint.
Mr. Boone had been shot and was taken to UPMC Mercy in critical condition, and was pronounced dead several hours later.
Mr. Jefferson and Mr. Upshur are charged with criminal homicide, robbery and two counts of criminal conspiracy.
Mr. Jefferson's charges were amended from persons not to possess firearms to carrying concealed weapons after Deputy District Attorney Mark Tranquilli said Mr. Jefferson had partially concealed his revolver in his waistband before the shooting.
Mr. Pendleton is facing the same charges, except for criminal conspiracy to commit homicide, which was withdrawn after witnesses testified that Mr. Pendleton was not present during the shooting.
First Published September 28, 2012 3:37 pm
