Man accused in Washington grocery store lot shooting faces additional charge

WASHINGTON, Pa. — An Upper Saint Clair man accused of killing another man during an apparent road-rage incident in Washington last month appeared in court Wednesday.

Police said Brandon Thomas is accused of killing Vaugh Simonelli, of Chartiers Township, in the parking lot of a Shop N' Save in Washington. Investigators charged Thomas with one count of criminal homicide.

Thomas is also facing a possession of drugs charge, which was added on Wednesday.

Witnessed reported that the two men were yelling at each other before the shooting in the 400 or 500 block of Jefferson Avenue, a few blocks from the West Beau Street plaza where the shooting occurred, investigators said.

Thomas' attorney said he is a decorated war veteran and was defending himself.

WPXI