Trial begins for man accused of shooting friend in Beaver County

BEAVER, Pa. — Jurors started to be seated in the trial of a man accused of shooting and killing his childhood friend and roommate.

Jury selection began Monday in Beaver Counrty Court on Monday in the case against Sheldon Jeter, Jr., who is charged in the death of 30-year-old Tyric Pugh.

In May 2020 police say Pugh was found dead lying on Kiehl Street in Aliquippa after being shot multiple times. Court documents said investigators found seven spent .380 shell casings lying on the road around Pugh’s body.

Court documents said police conducted a search warrant at the address on Pugh’s drivers license where they found Jeter. He told police he was with Pugh earlier in the night and had gone to get ice cream with some friends.

Video surveillance cameras from multiple locations coupled with cell phone records showed Jeter’s account of what happened that evening did not match up with the data, police said, and a a Glock .380 pistol and ammunition were later found during a search warrant.

Jeter’s attorney, Mike Santicola, said police have no direct evidence tying Jeter to Pugh’s death.

“I don’t believe the prosecution has a motive in this particular case,” he said.

Twelve jurors with four alternates are expected to be selected by the end of the day Tuesday, and the trial could last three to four weeks.

Jeter was one of two people publicly questioned in a high profile murder case of a Beaver County school teacher - Rachael DelTondo. The two had an on again, off again relationship.

He denied any involvement and was never charged in the case. Her murder still remains unsolved.

DelTondo was gunned down in her parent’s driveway on Mother’s Day three years ago.

Man questioned in Rachael DelTondo murder case arrested in separate fatal shooting Man questioned in Rachael DelTondo murder case arrested in separate fatal shooting

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