Local mother speaks out after son convicted of murder gets appeal hearing

ALIQUIPPA, Pa. — From the very start, Sheldon Jeter Jr. was in a football uniform headed to perform big on the field at Aliquippa.

RELATED >> Man questioned in Rachael DelTondo murder case arrested in separate fatal shooting

“I was just looking at his little things that he wrote, and I think if only he was here now,” said Delsha Flannigan, Sheldon’s mother.

It’s these memories of her first born that bring a smile to Flannigan’s face. Looking back, she now sees where things changed for her son Sheldon.

RELATED >> Beaver County homicide trial underway for man connected to DelTondo murder investigation

“It started at the elementary school when Rachel DelTondo stepped into my son’s life,” Flannigan said.

RELATED >> Timeline of Rachael DelTondo murder investigation

DelTondo was a teacher who dated Sheldon when he was just 17. She was gunned down on Mother’s Day in 2018, a murder Sheldon was questioned in, but never charged.

RELATED >> 5 things we know about the Aliquippa woman shot, killed in her mother’s driveway

Two years later, Sheldon’s cousin Tyric Pugh was shot and killed and Sheldon was convicted and sentenced for the murder.

RELATED >> Woman shot, killed in mother’s driveway; police working to determine motive

“I don’t feel it was justice and I don’t think justice was served for my side of the family or the Pugh family,” Flannigan said.

RELATED >> Man found guilty of first-degree murder in Aliquippa shooting death

Flannigan believes the high publicity of the DelTondo case convicted her son before he ever had his day in court. A day that ripped this entire family into pieces.

RELATED >> Man sentenced to life in prison for murder of childhood friend in Aliquippa

“I’m hurting just as much as they are and I have another chance to see my son and that’s what I want to do,” Flannigan said.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Now, a year later, Sheldon is getting an appeal hearing after new information came to light about the jury.

“There were juror members that were talking to each other laughing. It’s here in notes and that’s against the conduct, can’t happen,” said Lana Oriani with Fight 4 A Family.

RELATED >> Trial begins for man accused of shooting friend in Beaver County

In a multiple page affidavit, Sheldon’s appellate attorney plans to ask a judge on Tuesday morning to take the next step for Sheldon to get a new trial.

It’s something his family is hopeful happens as they maintain his innocence and want true justice for their other loved one, Pugh.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

“This day is here. The 20th, closure, but what is it going to be? I just pray we get this new trial and I’m able to see my son again,” Flannigan said.

If the judge decides to rule in Sheldon’s favor, the case will get kicked back to Beaver County. At that point, he will get another hearing in which a judge will decide if it’s a mistrial or not.

Channel 11 be in the courtroom on Tuesday, so stay with us for full coverage.

Man accused of trying to scam Unity Township grandfather appears in court

©2022 Cox Media Group