Watch CBS News

Man Arrested In Shooting Death Of Partner In Illegal Marijuana Growing Operation

NEW CASTLE, Pa. (AP) -- State police have arrested an Ohio man in the shooting death of his partner in an illegal Pennsylvania marijuana growing operation.

Joseph Anthony Markijohn was jailed without bail Tuesday on charges of criminal homicide, robbery, theft and receiving stolen property.

Police say the 26-year-old from Ashtabula, Ohio, fatally shot Joseph Pagley III in the head on Dec. 28 at Pagley's home in Neshannock Township.

Friends discovered the 26-year-old Pagley's body in the basement in front of an empty safe.

Police say a check for Pagley found at the scene bore Markijohn's signature.

Police say Markijohn told them he wrote the $8,200 check to pay for marijuana and to repay a loan.

Neshannock Township is about 45 miles northwest of Pittsburgh.

(© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

Must Read Today's Top Talkers:

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.