Joseph Pagley III, a 26-year-old male of Caucasian ethnicity from New Castle, Pennsylvania, tragically died on December 28, 2014. His body was discovered in his home in Neshannock Township, Lawrence County, in a pool of blood. An autopsy revealed that he had been killed by gunshot wounds to the head. Investigators believe that his death was drug-related and occurred during a robbery.
The suspect in the case, Joseph Anthony Markijohn II, a 26-year-old male from Ashtabula, Ohio, was identified and arrested. Markijohn was charged with homicide, robbery, theft by unlawful taking, and receiving stolen property. He was already in custody on drug trafficking charges related to the Pagley investigation. According to police, Markijohn fatally shot Pagley during an illegal marijuana growing operation. Friends found Pagley's body in the basement of his home, in front of an empty safe. A check for Pagley found at the scene bore Markijohn's signature.
The case shocked the quiet neighborhood where Pagley lived, as residents were unaware of any trouble in the area before the incident. Neighbors described Pagley as a quiet and friendly individual who had only lived on the street for about half a year. The investigation into Pagley's death and the subsequent arrest of Markijohn highlighted the dangers associated with illegal drug activities and the potential for violence that can arise from such operations.
The tragic death of Joseph Pagley III serves as a reminder of the devastating impact that drug-related crimes can have on individuals and communities. The legal proceedings against Markijohn continued as authorities worked to bring justice for Pagley and his family.
