Police detail argument that led to shooting
A Dunbar Township man accused in the shooting death of his brother was apparently angry about threats made against his son over an unpaid debt, according to police. Charles Harry Brothers Jr., 44, was taken into custody at his 523 Laurel Lane home after the shooting death of his brother, Brian Allen Brothers, 40, of 363 High St., Brownsville, according to state police Sgt. David Heckman.
State police trooper John Marshall said Brothers was charged with a single count of criminal homicide before Magisterial District Judge Michael Defino.
According to Marshall, Brian Brothers came to his brother’s Dunbar Township home to argue about money owed to him by Charles Brothers’ son for the purchase of a pickup truck.
Marshall said an argument over payment for the vehicle ensued during which Brian threatened to “beat up” Charles’ son.
“He said this made him angry,” Marshall said in his report.
Charles then picked up a loaded .270-caliber Remington rife that was stored in the living room of the home and was allegedly going to shoot the ceiling when the gun went off and the round struck his brother in the cheek, Marshall said.
Charles Brothers later provided trooper Timothy Knapp with a written and recorded statement confessing that he shot his brother, Marshall said.
Fayette County Deputy Coroner Jessie Langer pronounced Brian Brothers dead at the scene at 1:36 p.m.
An autopsy conducted Wednesday by Allegheny County Forensic Pathologist Dr. Cyril Wecht revealed Brian Brothers died from a lethal gunshot wound to the left cheek.
Deputy Coroner Marisa Springer said the coroner’s office is proceeding with further tests, including toxicological examinations, and added that, “we are carrying it as a homicide.”
Heckman said the Uniontown barracks received a call from Charles Brothers reporting the shooting around 12:15 p.m. Wednesday.
State police investigators swarmed the white and green clapboard mobile home on Laurel Lane off of Hardy Hill Road just after noon Wednesday.
Around 1 p.m., Charles Brothers, covered in blood, was led from the scene in handcuffs.
Heckman said the weapon used in the shooting was recovered at the home.
Charles Brothers remains in the Fayette County Prison without bond.
Marshall said that Fayette County District Attorney Nancy D. Vernon is also involved in the investigation.
Brian Brothers worked for more than a decade with Asplundh Tree Service and was an avid sportsman enjoying hunting, fishing and camping.
Brothers was also a dedicated NASCAR and Pittsburgh Steelers fan.
Brothers is survived by his wife, Virginia Brothers and his daughter Courtney Wilson.
The Vito C. Martucci Funeral Home in Connellsville is handing funeral arrangements for Brothers.