Man now charged with homicide for fatal beating of roommate over beer, police say

BRENTWOOD, Pa. — A Brentwood man is facing new charges in connection with the death of his roommate, who was beaten during a fight over beer, police said.

Charges of criminal homicide and tampering with evidence were filed Thursday against 34-year-old Justin Vankirk. He had previously been facing a single charge of aggravated assault.

According to a criminal complaint obtained by Channel 11 News, Vankirk told police that he found his roommate, Charles Parker, dead inside their Clermont Avenue apartment.

“We are totally shocked. I'm shaking just thinking about it,” neighbor Sarah Spreckic said.

When Vankirk was questioned by police, he admitted that he got into a confrontation with Parker Monday evening and accused him of stealing beer that he had purchased, according to the complaint.

“So there was alcohol involved. In their spare time alcohol was involved always,” Igor Spreckic said.

Vankirk told officers that he hit Parker several times in the face and head and dragged him from the victim’s bedroom into the dining area, the complaint said.

Police said Vankirk admitted to leaving Parker on the floor and going to bed. He returned home the next day at 4:30 p.m. and found Parker not breathing, police said.

According to the complaint, a search of Vankirk’s cellphone revealed a photograph taken at 4:49 a.m. Tuesday of the victim lying on the dining room floor with a clear liquid next to the body.

Police said Vankirk told them he used water to try to clean up the blood.

“That just shows how alcohol will make people crazy and do things they wouldn't normally do because it seems so out of character for them,” Igor Spreckic said.

Cox Media Group