Homeless man accused of killing 3 relatives in Pa. standoff will face death penalty — but governor won’t allow executions

The Pennsylvania prosecutor prosecuting the homeless man accused of killing three relatives last month said he would seek the death penalty against the suspect who said he could only “pray to God” after his first court appearance. court Wednesday.

Andre Gordon Jr. faces murder charges in the March 16 fatal shootings of his stepmother, his teenage sister and the mother of his children during a shocking crime spree that took place across two states .

“I am putting this defendant on notice,” District Attorney Jennifer Schorn said in court Wednesday, according to the Bucks County Courier.

Schorn said she made the quick statement because of the “multiple killings and serious risk to others.”

“We had the opportunity to speak to the family and find out their position,” she told reporters outside.

“Time will ultimately tell how this matter will play out. But we had to certify before a formal indictment.

The state has not killed an inmate convicted of murder since 1999.

While Schorn is seeking the death penalty, Gov. Josh Shapiro has said he will not authorize executions in the state while he is in office.

Gordon, 26, allegedly carjacked a vehicle in Trenton, New Jersey, then crossed the border into Pennsylvania where he shot and killed his stepmother, Karen Gordon, 52, and her sister Kera Gordon, 13, in a home in Levittown, police said.

He then went to another home in the same town where police said he killed Taylor Daniel, the 25-year-old mother of his two children, and also attacked the grandmother. children with a gun, leaving her injured.

Both children were present during the shooting, police said.

He then carjacked another vehicle and drove it back to New Jersey before being captured by police.

He waived his extradition to Pennsylvania on Wednesday.

During his first court appearance, Gordon, who was not accompanied by a lawyer, appeared confused before Judge John Galloway.

When Galloway asked if he understood this was a preliminary hearing to read the charges, Gordon replied, “Not really.”

He then replied “Yes, sir” when the judge repeated.

The accused was placed in pre-trial detention.

When reporters outside asked him if he had anything to say, he whispered softly, “Pray, pray to God.” »

The motive for these fatal attacks is unknown.

With post wires