In your video player: Man charged with murder and arson in woman’s death
TUCSON, Arizona (KGUN) — A Pima County grand jury has indicted a man accused of murdering 24-year-old Bairea McDermott in early April.
Suspect Avanti Pitko faces six charges, court documents show.
- First Degree Murder – Class 1 Felony
- 1st Degree Robbery – Class 2 Felony
- Arson of Occupied Structure – Class 2 Felony
- Property Damage – Class 1 Misdemeanor
- Criminal Damages – Class 4 Felony
- Criminal damages – Class 6 felony
According to an interim complaint filed against Pitko, he was dating McDermott’s sister. She effectively ended their relationship, and the next day police said Pitco began an act of vandalism and arson against McDermott.
According to the complaint, the two sisters who lived together planned to return home together on Thursday, April 6, after sharing their concerns about Pitco’s behavior.
At about 5:30 p.m. that day, McDermott’s sister found her shot dead inside the apartment complex.
A search warrant for the case reveals that investigators seized firearms, holsters, ammunition, bullet fragments, cell phones, and clothing from Pitco. Police also obtained his DNA swab from Pitco et al.
He is bound by a $500,000 bond. Pitko has not yet been charged.
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Anne Simmons Digital content producer for KGUN 9. Anne started her career in television while a student at the University of Arizona. Before he joined KGUN, he managed multiple public access television stations in the Bay Area and worked as a video producer in the non-profit sector. Share story ideas and key issues with Anne via email anne.simmons@kgun9.com or by connecting Instagram, twitter again LinkedIn.
