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2 Years After Young Jefferson Hills Man Vanishes, Murder Arrest Made

Criminal Complaint May Shed Light On Missing Man

POSTED: 3:36 pm EDT September 17, 2007
UPDATED: 8:33 am EDT September 18, 2007

For more than two years, a Jefferson Hills family has been pleading for help to find their 22-year-old son, Patrick Kenney.

Now, Allegheny County police said a 35-year-old man is under arrest and charged with murder in connection with Kenney's disappearance.

Police said the suspect -- identified Monday afternoon as Bryan Sedlak, of the Greenfield section of Pittsburgh -- was already being held at the county jail on an unrelated charge.

In addition to the homicide charge, Sedlak faces a charge of abuse of a corpse, which police said stems from a grand jury investigation in the district attorney's office.

Still, many questions remain in the case. Police have not said what led them to Sedlak as a suspect, nor how Kenney vanished years ago and why they now think he is dead.

Though police have not commented on the case, the criminal complaint quotes witnesses and confidential informants who describe a violent crime taking place at Sedlak's tanning salon in Homestead.

The complaint showed that one witness testified that Sedlak said he killed someone at his salon and needed help with the body. The witness said they went to the salon with Sedlak and observed a rolled-up carpet, inside of which was a body. Sedlak allegedly told him that the person had tried to rob him and that he had shot him nine times.

The document also showed that the witness said Sedlak indicated to the witness that he intended to cut up the body and needed help. It showed that when referring to the individual he had shot, Sedlak used the name "Pat."

The criminal complaint showed that both Kenney and Sedlak had alleged histories of drug use.

Kenney was reported missing Feb. 18, 2005. County police said he was last seen Feb. 1, 2005, and last made contact with family or friends the next day.

His Cadillac Escalade was found Feb. 15, 2005, on McCaslin Street in Greenfield, but his body was never found, police said.

According to Kenney's parents, Patrick Kenney left home at about 6:45 p.m. on Feb. 1, saying he had something to do and would be back soon for dinner. He never returned, and no money was taken from his credit card or bank accounts since then, police said.

Kenney's mother, Ellen, had publicly offered a $20,000 reward for information about her missing son.

When asked for comment Monday, the Kenneys said they had been instructed by police to not talk with reporters.


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