1st trial in 2017 Youngwood homicide to begin in March

The first of what could be four trials for defendants accused in the 2017 stabbing death of a Youngwood man is scheduled to begin March 9.

First up will be Jason Sullenberger, 42, of Youngwood. He is charged with first-degree murder and other offenses in connection with the death of Matthew Genard, 50, in his home as part of a plot to steal drugs and money.

In court Friday, Common Pleas Judge Christopher Feliciani ruled prosecutors can introduce evidence that Sullenberger had been involved in the drug trade with Genard before his death and actively threatened him in the days that led up to the killing.

According to police, Sullenberger along with Christopher David, 42, Michael Covington, 22, and Linda Kay Quidetto, 42, devised a scheme to steal money from Genard.

“They were involved in a drug deal and there were arguments and calls over a period of time. Mr. Sullenberger was sick of being treated as Mr. Genard’s … and he was going to take care of it,” said Assistant District Attorney Anthony Iannamorelli.

Westmoreland County prosecutors contend men came to Genard’s home on Nov. 9, 2017, when David put him in a choke hold as Sullenberger and Covington stabbed him to death.

Quidetto conspired with the men during a meeting at her home to rob and kill Genard, prosecutors contend.

Police said that a day after the murder, the men again met with Quidetto when all four members of the group split up two bricks of heroin, cocaine, marijuana and $1,100 they took from Genard.

Trial dates for David, Covington and Quidetto have not been set.