Allegheny County Police Ask for Help in Finding James Yeckel's Belongings

Allegheny County police are asking for help from the public with locating items believed to be discarded or hidden by  before he was taken into police custody early Saturday morning

Yeckel, 52, was wanted for questioning in connection with the double homicide of his parents in their West Deer home earlier in the week. 

"[Yeckel] was believed to be in possession of a dark-colored backpack and possibly riding a bicycle when he departed the family’s home," according to Allegheny County police.

"He was taken into custody in the Harmar area near the intersection of Freeport Road and Route 910," stated a press release from Allegheny County police. "We believe the above mentioned items are still in that general area. Unfortunately we do not have a detailed description of either item."

The busy intersection is close to BladeRunners Ice Complex, where a number of Pine-Richland ice and inline hockey teams practice and play. Other businesses close to the intersection include a Target, Giant Eagle Express and Primanti Brothers restaurant, as well as several fast-food restaurants.

The police homicide unit is asking the public to call 412-473-1300 if a dark backpack or bicycle is found in the Harmar area.

Yeckel has not been charged in his parents' homicide. He is in the Allegheny County Jail, held on $10,000 bail, on a misdemeanor charge of criminal mischief.

His preliminary hearing is set for Sept. 21 in the courtroom of Magisterial District Judge Suzanne R. Blaschak.