FBI turns to social media in search for man accused of armored truck slaying

None — PITTSBURGH --The FBI is now turning to social media websites like Facebook and Twitter in the search for a man wanted in an armored car slaying and theft.

Pittsburgh police Cmdr. Thomas Stangrecki said it doesn't appear Kenneth Konias Jr., 22, has crossed any borders or departed from any airport since killing his partner last week and leaving him in the cargo area of the idling truck. Investigators said Konias then got away with $2.3 million.

Investigators said Konias, of Dravosburg, shot Michael Haines, 31, in the back of the head inside a Garda Cash Logistics truck as it was parked under a bridge in the city’s Strip District.

“This is a premeditated murder,” Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala said. “Our belief is that he planned to rob the company, and if he had to kill the guard, then he planned to do that. He shot the guy from close range in the back of the head to accomplish the robbery. That’s pretty cold.”

Starting Tuesday Konias' photo and a photo of his suspected getaway car have been posted on the FBI's Facebook page. For the first time ever, FBI agents will also be updating the case via their Twitter page.

Investigators said they hope by using social media it will help keep Konais' face in the public eye.

"We're treating him and this case as if he could be anywhere," said FBI Special Agent Robert Ambrosini. "That's why the FBI is using Twitter so we can cross international and domestic borders for people who may not have access to the wanted poster or have read it locally in Pittsburgh."

Authorities said Konias called friends and family after the killing, including one person he asked about extradition laws in Canada and Mexico.

Police said Haines and Konias made their first stop of the day at Rivers Casino, then went to Home Depot on McKnight Road. Investigators said after stopping at Home Depot, they were scheduled to return to Garda's office in the Strip District.

Investigators think Konias has three semiautomatic handguns. Police said he is driving a champagne-colored Ford Explorer with Pennsylvania license plate number GZW-4572.

Garda is offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to Konais' arrest. Anyone with information should call the Pittsburgh Homicide Office at 412-323-7161 or 911.

WPXI