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Suspect in East Liberty killings alerted police to separate murder-for-hire plot

PITTSBURGH — Target 11 has learned that Allen Wade, the man accused of killing two sisters inside their East Liberty home last month, is a star witness for a murder plot in Westmoreland County.

Investigators told Target 11's Rick Earle that Wade was allegedly approached by an inmate at the Westmoreland County Jail and offered $1,500 to kill a witness.

Wade, who was charged Wednesday with killing Sarah and Susan Wolfe, was in the jail on a theft charge last year. Police said Wade confessed to stealing a diamond wedding ring from a home near Ligonier.

While in prison, authorities said he was offered cash by another inmate to kill a witness.

According to police, Wade then went to the authorities and exposed the murder-for-hire plot.

Earle reported investigators told him the inmate accused of offering Wade the deal is 54-year-old Lee Atwood.

Atwood was arrested and charged last year with killing a friend who owed him money.

Police said Atwood gave Wade directions to the witness’s home, a layout of the home and specific instructions on how he wanted the crime carried out.

After Wade told police about the plot, Atwood was charged with solicitation to commit murder.

Earle tried contacting Westmoreland County District Attorney John Peck, and he declined to comment.

We’re working on uncovering all details to this constantly developing story. We’ll have much more on Channel 11 News tonight at 5 and 6, and throughout the day on WPXI.com.

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