An Upper Saint Clair man accused of killing another man during an apparent road-rage incident in Washington last week 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.

Channel 11's Cara Sapida reported that Thomas is a war veteran. His defense attorney said his client was defending himself and should not be jail.

30-year-old Thomas served three tours of duty, two in Afghanistan and one in Iraq, Sapida reported.

"He was a decorated war veteran. Three Purple Hearts, a Bronze Medal of Valor, he was honorably discharged, Phi Beta Kapa -- he is an outstanding human being, an outstanding young man. First thing I did when I met him I said, 'Thank you for your service,'" said defense attorney Frank Walker.

Walker said Thomas has received hundreds emails and letters from people around the country supporting him.