Exterminator goes on trial in Philadelphia pediatrician’s death
An exterminator has gone on trial in the strangulation death of a globe-trotting pediatrician who hired him to address a mice problem at her Philadelphia home.
A prosecutor said Wednesday that 35-year-old Melissa Ketunuti had visited Botswana as she studied tuberculosis, HIV and other diseases.
The native of Thailand was researching infectious diseases at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia when she was killed in January 2013.
Authorities say exterminator Jason Smith admitted killing her after the two argued over his work.
Assistant District Attorney Peter Lim has told jurors in opening statements that Smith used the victim’s equestrian equipment to tie her up and then set fire to her body.
Defense lawyer Michael Farrell says not everyone who confesses to a crime actually did it.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
A group of 400 parents and families nationally are calling for solutions that treat addiction and the opioid crisis as a public health problem.
4 hours ago
39 years after MOVE bombing, activists remember victims of the West Philly tragedy
“It’s really important for us to document this history, talk about things — and to never forget,” Mike Africa Jr. said.
4 hours ago
Listen 1:20
A study of more than 3,000 signs shows how immigrants are transforming three Philly neighborhoods.
5 hours ago
Listen 1:13