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Arrest made in murder of Jefferson Hills Motel owner

JEFFERSON HILLS, Pa. — A 61-year-old man has been arrested in the murder of a motel owner during an attempted robbery in Jefferson Hills.

Derrick Gallaway is charged with homicide, robbery, weapons violations, theft and tampering with evidence.

Police said Gallaway shot and killed 78-year-old Dehnad Taiedi on May 27, 2016, as Taiedi was working the front desk at the Jefferson Hills Motel on Route 51.

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An arrest warrant was issued in August 2016 for Gallaway, who had ties to California and other states, police said. The United States Marshals Service was enlisted and discovered that Gallaway was in a hospital facility in Sacramento, California.

Memories of her stepfather are what helped Carrie Simpson get through the past year and a half. She admits it’s been rough, knowing the person responsible for Danny Taiedi’s murder was still on the run.

"The smile on their face in this picture is the smile that they have together in heaven knowing that his killer was caught," Simpson said.

As the holidays approach, Simpson said it’s going to be hard.

"You always make plans and listen to everyone, this one's coming from out of state or we're traveling and going to see family but our visit is...sorry... our visit…our Thanksgiving visit is at the grave,” said Simpson.

The silver lining will be that her step-father’s killer is in custody.

Gallaway was arrested Monday morning. He was taken to the Sacramento County Jail, where he will await extradition.

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