1st-degree murder sought in Erie Pizza Hut shooting

This article was originally published on GoErie.com by Madeleine O’Neill on January 30, 2019

The Erie County District Attorney’s Office will seek a first-degree murder conviction against a Harborcreek Township man accused of fatally shooting his girlfriend while she was working at an east Erie Pizza Hut.

The defendant, 48-year-old Luis Rodriguez, would face life in prison if convicted of the charge. He appeared in court Wednesday for his formal arraignment on charges including homicide, aggravated assault, attempted homicide and reckless endangerment in the Nov. 24 shooting that killed Alicia Stalheim, 25, and wounded another employee at the Pizza Hut.

Erie County Judge Joseph M. Walsh did not set a trial date for the case at the formal arraignment. Rodriguez shook his head during the hearing and at one point told Walsh he was having difficulty understanding the proceeding.

“My English is not that good so it’s hard to understand,” Rodriguez said. He later said he did not have any questions about the hearing. He is represented by Erie lawyer Alison Scarpitti, who is court-appointed.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Erin Connelly is prosecuting the case.

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