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Man accused of killing, dismembering mom, stepfather in Penn Hills home

PENN HILLS, Pa. — A 47-year-old man is accused of killing and dismembering his mother and step-father in Penn Hills earlier this week.

Police charged Frederick Harris III with two counts each of criminal homicide and abuse of a corpse.

Harris was arraigned by video Wednesday night from the Allegheny County Jail. Officials said he sat with his eyes closed and refused to speak with detectives during the proceedings.

A judge denied his bail.

Police said Harris murdered his 73-year-old mother, Olivia Gilbert, and his 76-year-old stepfather, Lamar Gilbert inside their home. Officers discovered the victims' dismembered bodies after they were called to do a welfare check at the house on Suncrest Drive. 

According to the criminal complaint, investigators obtained a search warrant for the home and found several garbage cans and bags in the couple's garage, which contained the victims' remains. Detectives also found three bottles of bleach and a bottle of anti-bacterial kitchen cleaner in the basement's laundry room, according to the complaint.

Harris was inside the home when police arrived and he was taken to the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office for questioning. He was charged in the murders on Wednesday.
Investigators who questioned Harris said he appeared to have a fresh cut on the palm of his hand and sat upright in his chair with his eyes closed, refusing to speak or acknowledge detectives.
Harris has a criminal history that includes insurance fraud and aggravated assault.

Channel 11 News also learned that at one point, Harris was living with his biological father, but according to investigators, his dad threw him out after Harris attacked him and attempted to choke him.

WPXI

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