WRTA News

2 More Arrested In 2017 Murder Investigation

Two more people have now been arrested after an investigation into a double homicide from 2017 that took place in Somerset County. Marekus Benson and Deandre Callender now face charges for conspiring with two previously arrested members of the Ohio-based East Main Money Gang to kidnap and murder 19 year old Damien Staniszewski and 32 year old James Smith. Accoring to Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro, the two men were murdered so the East Main Money Gang could continue to operate and profit. The bodies of Staniszewski and Smith, were discovered by a hunter in September 2017 in Conemaugh Township. State Police say the two were kidnapped and tortured before eventually being shot dead. Benson faces charges of criminal homicide, aggravated assault, kidnapping, unlawful restraint and possessing, using, manufacturing, controlling, selling or transferring firearms. Callender faces charges of criminal homicide, aggravated assault, kidnapping and unlawful restraint. So far, 5 people have been arrested in connection with the case, which remains under investigation with more arrests possible.

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