Lawyers for man charged in local officer's death claim he wasn't shooter

GREENSBURG, Pa. — Attorneys for Rahmael Holt, the man accused in the shooting death of New Kensington Police officer Brian Shaw, said he was not the shooter.

New details emerged from Holt’s defense team during a status and discovery hearing Monday.

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Holt’s lawyers told the judge the shooter could have been the driver of the vehicle.  Attorneys also said there was a third person in the car, a man from McKeesport.

RELATED HEADLINE: What we know about Rahmael Sal Holt, the suspected killer of police Officer Brian Shaw

In November 2017, investigators said Holt shot at Shaw when he tried to pull over a vehicle in which he was riding – killing him.  Holt was arrested in Pittsburgh after a massive manhunt.

RELATED HEADLINE: What we know about fallen Officer Brian Shaw

The district attorney is seeking the death penalty in the case. His office is not commenting on the new theory of the crime.

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• Police charge pair with hindering search for suspect in officer's fatal shooting
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During Holt’s last court hearing, a judge approved a request from Holt’s lawyers to hire a private investigator to prepare arguments on why he should not get the death penalty.

That private investigator will be paid for by Westmoreland County taxpayers.

PHOTOS: Arrest photos of suspect Rahmael Holt

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