PA court upholds conviction, sentence for man involved in 2017 Somerset Co. double-murder

SOMERSET COUNTY, Pa (WJAC) — One of three men involved in a 2017 double murder case in Somerset County has had his conviction and sentence upheld by the state Superior Court.

Samson Washington received a life sentence after being found guilty of 1st degree homicide and criminal conspiracy in the deaths of Damian Staniszewski and James Smith.

Authorities say their bodies were found dumped along Ligonier Pike, in September of 2017.

Prosecutors argued that three men, Washington, Marekus Benson and Devon Wyrick, had reportedly conspired to kill the two victims after they allegedly broke into a Johnstown stash house that belonged to the Ohio-based East Main Money Gang.

Following a lengthy trial, both Washington and Benson were convicted of homicide, criminal conspiracy and aggravated assault, and were sentenced to life in prison.

Washington was also found guilty on charges of unlawful restraint while the third man, Wyrick, was sentenced to serve 21 to 80 years in prison after being convicted of 3rd degree murder.

According to court documents obtained by 6 News, Washington attempted to appeal his conviction, and subsequent sentence, arguing that the prosecution made several errors during the trial.

Washington also challenged the evidence used in court, which included his drug-related activity and history.

Last week, the Pennsylvania Superior Court ruled against Washington and upheld his conviction and sentence.

He is currently serving his life sentence at SCI Huntingdon.

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