Man shot after mental health facility stabbing faces charges

Newspaper columnist reports fighting off thief in hotel room

BRENTWOOD, Pa. (AP) — A western Pennsylvania man accused of having beaten his roommate for stealing some beer has now been charged with criminal homicide. Thirty-four-year-old Justin Vankirk was charged earlier in Allegheny County with aggravated assault in the death of 58-year-old Charles Parker. Police said the Brentwood resident told investigators Nov. 1 that he confronted his roommate about stolen beer and fought with him, then left him lying on the floor and went to bed. He said he returned home the next afternoon and found Parker not breathing. Police said they also found a picture of the beaten victim on Vankirk's cellphone.

Man now facing homicide charges in roommate's death