The trial for a Levittown exterminator accused of killing a pediatrician and researcher in 2013 is expected to begin Wednesday.
Jason Smith, 39, of Bristol Township, allegedly strangled Dr. Melissa Ketunuti after an argument inside her Center City, Philadelphia home on January 21, 2013. Following the attack, the 39 year old is accused of setting her body on fire.
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The Philadelphia Inquirer reported Tuesday that six men and six women were selected to serve as the jury for the trial, which a judge said would likely begin on Wednesday in Philadelphia.
Smith was working as a contractor for a Newtown-based pest exterminator when he was called to Ketunuti’s residence. Philadelphia police said following Smith’s arrest that something went “terribly wrong” and the Levittown man murdered the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia pediatrician.
Police said no signs of sexual assault were found on Ketunuti’s body.
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Philadelphia authorities poured over surveillance video and talked to scores of people in Center City and Levittown when building the case.
In 2013, family and neighbors that lived on Smith’s street, Crescent Lane, said they were shocked when they learned of the accusations.
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Smith, whose recent Bucks County criminal record does not include any violent crimes, has been jailed since his 2013 arrest. He currently resides at Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility.
