October 15, 2019—Commonwealth v. Derrick Butler:   Derrick Butler, 32, pleaded guilty to third degree murder and unlawful possession of a firearm in connection with the slaying of JahSun Patton, 18, on November 25, 2017.  Derrick Butler shot and killed Patton during a holiday gathering at the State Street apartment of the victim’s sister.  Patton was celebrating his acceptance into college when Butler murdered him. 

Butler fled from the apartment immediately after the shooting.  He was apprehended about two weeks later, hiding in a closet in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

Judge Deborah E. Curcillo sentenced Butler immediately to the statutory maximum of 25 to 50 years in prison.

This case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Scott Robinette.