Beating Death Suspect Confesses To Crime
SQUIRREL HILL (KDKA) - Police believe the beating death of an elderly man in Squirrel Hill was an inside job.
Jason Kuhns, 35, was arrested Friday night in connection with the murder.
Kuhns was a suspect all along in the murder and robbery of 90-year-old Cuddy Briskin. Kuhns confessed that he murdered his wife's grandfather to get money to buy crack cocaine.
Kuhns told police he broke into Briskin's Squirrel Hill home thinking he was out having dinner with friends.
However, Briskin was home and when he confronted Kuhns, the suspect hit him in the head several times with a tire iron and covered his head with plastic bags.
Kuhns confessed that he stole a number of silver and gold coins, which he sold at a pawn shop for about $3,000.
"Mr. Kuhns was arrested for receiving stolen property for some coins that he stole from the residence. Through our Pawn Division investigation, we were able to determine a location where he pawned the coins for cash and through that, we were able to obtain the arrest warrant," Pittsburgh Police Lt. Kevin Kraus said.
"A lot of the neighbors were very, very concerned about this homicide occurring there. We really have a very safe neighborhood and this was really an aberration for the neighborhood. So, we're very, very pleased that homicide detectives were able to make this arrest," Cmdr. Kathy Degler said.
Kuhns is charged with homicide, robbery, burglary and receiving stolen property and is being held at the Allegheny County Jail.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and there could be more arrests.
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