Man Accused of Stabbing Cop ‘Finally’ Charged with Levittown Man’s 2013 Murder

Joseph Britton’s family exhaled late last week as they were told a third suspect in the Levittown man’s murder had been charged.

Matthew Miller, 23, was charged Wednesday with beating Britton to death in Philadelphia in September of 2013. Police first told LevittownNow.com of Miller’s possible involvement back in June. Miller also faces robbery related offenses, court documents show.

Britton’s mother, Donna Palmer, said Wednesday it’s been a long time coming and she feels a sense of closure is near, now that Miller has “finally” been charged.

“We’re all a little relieved,” Palmer said after she learned of the news.

Members of Britton’s family have said they believe Miller was the ringleader in the attack.

Britton, who was found unconscious and bleeding from the head on the 5900 block of Charles Street in Philadelphia on September 14 of last year, died shortly thereafter due to the extensive head wounds he suffered during the attack, court documents say.

Miller is the third person now charged with Britton’s murder.

In April, 24-year-old Krista McDevitt, Britton’s ex-girlfriend,as well as Ian Pawlolowic, 21, of Philadelphia, were charged with second-degree murder, conspiracy, robbery and related offenses. McDevitt, at the time of her arrest, had been serving a six to 24 month sentence in state prison after pleading guilty to theft.

McDevitt pleaded guilty to third degree murder, conspiracy and robbery in September in exchange for the DA’s office dropping several charges related to Britton’s murder, according to court documents.

According to court documents, Pawlowicic also pleaded guilty in September to robbery and conspiracy charges.

Mcdevitt and Pawlowic are both awaiting sentencing for their role in Britton’s murder, which is scheduled for next month according to online court records.

Palmer said both have entered guilty pleas as part of a deal with the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office.

“They’re each going to get 7 1/2 to 15 year sentences,” Palmer told LevittownNow.com in April, adding that she was not exactly thrilled with the plea deal that was made.

Miller, according to sources, was taken from Bucks County Prison on Friday and turned over to Philadelphia police for his arraignment this week. Miller  is awaiting trial for attempted homicide,  escape. and related offenses connected to the June 10 stabbing of  Bensalem police officer Michael Jachimski.

Miller was being brought in on escape charges by Jachmiski at the time he allegedly stabbed the officer, just four days after he escaped from the minimum security center on June 6.

Court records show Miller was fighting with the officer when he pulled out a black folding knife  and stabbed Jachimski in his protective vest.

Miller has been jailed and sent to Bucks County Prison on two separate cases, according to court records. Bail is 10 percent of $5 million in the stabbing case and 10 percent of  $1 million for the escape charge case. Miller is not eligible, however, for bail on the case of his alleged partaking in the murder of Britton.

On the anniversary of Britton’s death, family and friends gathered at the Silver Lake Nature Center in Bristol to hold a vigil for the Levittown man who was just 30 when he was killed. Attendees released balloons into the air as a way of honoring the young man’s life.

Palmer wants Miller put away forever, for her that’s the best way the living can now honor her son and in turn, cure her grief.