State trooper: Accused Youngwood killer confessed in tears

A Youngwood man was crying and remorseful when he recounted how he stabbed another Youngwood man “a lot” during a fatal robbery for drugs and money in November 2017, a state police trooper testified Thursday.

Trooper Brandon Yeager said Michael James Covington Jr., 22, broke down during his interrogation at the state police station in Greensburg when the trooper offered to pray with him because of the burden he was bearing: his alleged participation in murdering Matthew Genard, 50, of Youngwood, on Nov. 8, 2017, in a Hempfield home.

“He confessed to stabbing Mr. Genard. How many times? A lot,” Yeager said before Westmoreland County Judge Christopher Feliciani. Yeager was testifying in a hearing on defense attorney Richard McCague motion to suppress the confession.

Under cross-examination from McCague, Yeager said he believed that Covington was remorseful and “a tear went down his cheek.”

Covington, along with Christopher “CJ” David, Linda Kay Quidetto, 40, and Jason Sullenberger, 41, are accused of robbery, homicide and conspiracy in killing Genard, who was stabbed about 20 times and his throat slashed. Police said they divided the victim’s drugs and money among themselves.

Sullenberger, Quidetto and Covington were arrested Nov. 16, 2017, and David was arrested two days later. All the suspects are in Westmoreland County Prison.

Police initially thought Covington may have known about the murder because he was friends with David, whom they believe might have told him about it. Covington did not show any indication of mental distress when he said he witnessed, but did not participant in Genard’s murder.

Yeager denied the police coerced Covington into the confession or denied him food, water and bathroom breaks. In fact, Yeager said police bought him a Chick-Fil-A meal in the initial interview before he was read his Miranda rights as a suspect during a second interview later that day. Covington became a suspect after Sullenberger allegedly told police Covington had more of a role in the crime, Yeager said.

Feliciani said McCague and the prosecution can file briefs on the defense’s motion to suppress the confession. The judge said he wanted to review video and audio of Covington’s alleged confession before he rules, to see if Covington was under any undue influence or coercion from police.

Assistant District Attorney Anthony Iannamorelli said he the judge may issue a ruling on suppressing the confession in about 90 days.

Sullenberger had his hearing in March to suppress his confession.