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Wecht Probes Pitt Student's Overseas Murder

Coroner Says Information Not Forthcoming

More than three months have passed since the murder of a 21-year-old University of Pittsburgh student in South Korea, but there have been no arrests or suspects in the case, WTAE-TV's Jon Greiner reports.

Jamie Penich

The family of Jamie Penich (pictured, left), who was a junior from Derry Township, Westmoreland County, has asked Allegheny County Coroner Dr. Cyril Wecht to review the evidence in the case.

On Thursday, Wecht made some serious charges about the investigation.

Video

Penich was found strangled and stomped to death in a Seoul, South Korea, hotel room on March 17. Witnesses heard a caucasian voice and saw a caucasian man in the area of the killing. Police found a bloody size 10 boot print.

"There's every reason to believe that this was an America soldier," Wecht said. "I think I can say that I think this is what the family believes. This is what everything else points to."

Wecht said that the Penich family asked him to look into the case because they have not received any answers. He said that he will take the case for no charge.

But he said that he needs more forensic evidence from the investigating Korean authorities, and they have not been forthcoming.

"Also I think I can say as of this time that there has not been the most forthcoming cooperation from the U.S. military authorities," Wecht said.

Wecht also said that he thinks that the area's congressional representatives and senators could get more involved in the case.

We're sure it's a serviceman," said Penich's mother, Patricia.

"We feel the U.S. military is covering something up."

A composite sketch of a possible suspect is circulating around South Korea. But on a Web site of wanted suspects and reward information from all of the bases in Korea, there is no mention of the Penich murder or the sketch.


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