2 accused in deadly North Side shooting have homicide charges dropped
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Two men charged in a North Side shooting that killed three people will stand trial.
Samuel Pegues, 30, and 19-year-old Charron Troutman are facing charges in connection to the Oct. 15 shooting that killed John Hornezes, Betty Averytt and Jacquelyn Mehalic.
On Friday, homicide charges against the two men were dropped, as autopsy reports say where they were standing doesn't match the bullet trajectory. Five counts of recklessly endangering another person were added for both men.
In court on Friday, video of the alleged shooting was shown. The district attorney says this puts Troutman and Pegues at the scene and shows their intent.
Several camera angles from Cedar Avenue and Pressley Street show the leadup to the shooting and shooting.
The DA said the situation started when Jaylone Hines, who was involved in the shooting, walks towards Troutman and Pegues at the Sunoco gas station on Cedar Avenue. Police testimony said Troutman showed what looked like a gun to Hines. Then the video shows the SUV allegedly with Pegues and Troutman inside leave the gas station, and then gunfire starts.
The public defenders argued that Troutman and Pegues did not fire first. There is a flash in the video, showing alleged gunfire, and then the two suspects allegedly shoot. The shots are almost at the same time.
Another angle from a nearby park shows another shooter firing at Troutman and Pegues. Video shows as the SUV turns onto Pressley Street, Averytt and Mehalic get caught in the crossfire.
As the SUV heads into the Giant Eagle parking lot, there are more flashes, which police believe to be gunfire. The attorneys for Troutman and Pegues argue they were trying to get away from the gunfire when they turned into the parking lot.
Families of the victims were in court, but they did not wish to comment Friday. Pegues and Troutman have a formal arraignment for Feb. 22.
