10. USC veteran cleared of killing files suit against police, city and DA
On Oct. 18, 2012, U.S. Army veteran Brandon Thomas, of Upper St. Clair, fatally shot Vaughn Simonelli in the parking lot of Shop ‘n Save in Washington, Pa., from inside of his vehicle following a road rage incident. Thomas claimed self defense in the shooting, and was acquitted of murder charges on May 14. On Oct. 17, Thomas filed a lawsuit against the city of Washington, five Washington police officers and Washington County District Attorney Eugene Vittone, alleging that they violated his civil and constitutional rights by prosecuting him and incarcerating him for 18 months – Pennsylvania’s castle doctrine law allows citizens to use deadly force to protect themselves in their homes and vehicles. According to the suit, Vittone and the police disregarded evidence in their pursuit of a conviction, and that all but one witness verified Thomas’ account that he was inside his car, attacked and fired only after being attacked.