Man accused in deadly Scott Township stabbing appears in court

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — The man accused in a brutal stabbing death appeared in court Friday morning for his preliminary hearing.

The judge held all charges again Vendell Nasir III, 28, who showed no emotion amid disturbing testimony.

Channel 11 first covered the homicide back in November, when Scott Township police were called to train tracks, located near a homeless encampment off Creek Street. Near the tracks, they discovered 70-year-old Joseph Williams lifeless and covered in blood.

During Friday’s hearing, a Scott patrolman testified to finding Nasir with both hands “covered in blood.” The defendant reportedly led cops to Williams, who appeared “beyond help.” He was pronounced dead soon after. A knife was located not far from his body.

Williams, a retired railroad worker, would reportedly visit the camp. Nasir had been staying there on and off for about five months, according to another man who testified.

That man told the court that he had been inside a nearby tent during the killing. He heard a dog bark, stepped out, and reportedly saw Nasir “standing over the body, kicking” Williams.

A possible motive was not made clear in court.

Williams’ widow, who did not wish to comment after the hearing, was visibly distraught.

Nasir was returned to the Allegheny County Jail and has a formal arraignment scheduled for February.

Man charged with killing 70-year-old after body found near train tracks in Scott Township

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