DNA Evidence Leads To Inmate Being Charged In 2014 Robbery
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UNIONTOWN (KDKA) – DNA evidence has led to the arrest of a suspect in connection with a 2014 convenience store robbery.
According to police, the incident happened at the Circle K in Hopwood on June 27, 2014.
Two African-American men entered the store and threatened employees and customers with a handgun.
"They entered the Circle K at Hopwood Fairchance Road. There was patrons inside the establishment, as well as workers. One actually pulled out a firearm, ordered them to the ground," said Trooper Robert Broadwater, of Pennsylvania State Police.
The armed suspect ordered two patrons to turn around as the other suspect demanded their cellphones. Then, the armed suspect demanded money from the register. The suspects fled the scene with an undetermined amount of cash and a patron's cellphone.
Both of the men had their faces covered and were wearing gloves.
However, police found a pair of black and gray gloves in the middle of nearby Reservoir Road. While reviewing surveillance footage, police determined one of the suspects in the robbery had been wearing the same pair of gloves.
"Based on videotape surveillance and the blown-up, still photo of the actors involved in the Circle K, they resembled the gloves worn by one of the actors," said Trooper Broadwater.
DNA samples were taken from the gloves, which was used to identify 23-year-old Isaac Farrell, Jr.
"They entered it into the system, through the lab; and a few years later, they got a hit through the DNA lab identifying Mr. Isaac Farrell," Trooper Broadwater said.
Farrell was already being held in SCI-Fayette in a separate case. According to the Herald-Standard, Farrell was serving time for shooting at a car with his children inside.
On June 1, 2018, police obtained a buccal swab sample from Farrell. During questioning, Farrell initially denied any involvement in the robbery.
Police then confronted Farrell with the DNA evidence and photographs from the surveillance footage.
According to the criminal complaint, "Farrell's demeanor quickly changed to anxious and distraught. Farrell then stated on several occasions that he did not want to stay in jail."
Eventually, he stated he would provide details about the robbery in exchange for a "deal" with the district attorney.
"I'll take anything, house arrest or anything. I just don't want to stay in prison," he said.
That has not happened yet. Farrell is facing several charges including robbery, theft, receiving stolen property, reckless endangerment, simple assault, unlawful restraint and firearm violations.