Washington County Assistant District Attorney Michael Lucas on Wednesday said the prosecution will seek a first-degree homicide conviction against Nathaniel L. Jones in the shooting death of another man outside a Canton Township bar.
But, Lucas said, "We'll continue to monitor the situation and later determine what is the most appropriate charge to pursue at trial."
Lucas spoke during the Jones' formal arraignment before President Judge Debbie O'Dell Seneca, during which the judge advised Jones of his legal rights on charges of criminal homicide and illegal possession of a firearm.
Jones, 36, of 213 Rostraver St., Monessen, is accused in the May 3 murder of Carl (Tony) Cohen outside Terry's Lounge at 108 W. Wylie Ave. Cohen was shot three times in the chest. The men reportedly got into a scuffle outside the bar and struggled over a gun that Jones had in his possession.
Jones' attorney, Public Defender Glenn Alterio, asked Lucas whether the prosecution planned to seek the death penalty in the case. Lucas said nothing had yet been filed, but it was still under consideration.
Cohen was implicated in a 2003 double homicide at the former Price's Tavern in North Strabane Township. He entered a guilty plea to criminal conspiracy to commit robbery and was sentenced to one year less a day to two years less a day in jail.
Jones was returned to the county jail, where he is being held without bond.