Drug case proceeds against suspect in fatal Export shooting

A man who police say was involved in a deadly shooting last month in Export waived his right to a preliminary hearing on drug charges Tuesday, sending that case to Westmoreland County Common Pleas Court.

Matthew A. Miller, 32, of Export has yet to be charged in connection with the shooting of Daniel T. Chicka Jr., 65, of Avonmore on June 18.

Trooper Steve Limani said state police are working with Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole Ziccarelli’s office on the investigation.

“We know where he’s at,” Limani said, referring to Miller, who is being held without bail in Westmoreland County Prison.

Ziccarelli’s office is continuing to review neighborhood video footage and other evidence, spokeswoman Melanie Jones said. She did not provide a timeline of when charges might be filed in connection with the shooting.

Police said the shooting in the 5800 block of Madison Avenue stemmed from a monthslong parking dispute between Miller and Chicka.

State police filed drug charges against Miller after they said they discovered 20 marijuana plants and drug paraphernalia in Miller’s basement while investigating the shooting, according to court documents. He is charged with drug possession with intent to manufacture or deliver and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Before Tuesday’s scheduled preliminary hearing, about 20 people filled the waiting room at District Judge Judi Petrush’s office in support of Chicka, known by close friends and family as “Slim.” They donned T-shirts with a photo of Chicka surrounded by the words “Justice for Slim” and “Rest easy Bro, we got this.”

To Heather Harkleroad, Chicka was a gentle giant.

“He wouldn’t hurt anybody — not one person,” said Harkleroad, 40, of Saltsburg. “He didn’t deserve this.”

Harkleroad’s father was close friends with Chicka, she said.

“(Chicka’s) daughter is going through a lot. His girlfriend is going through a lot. His brother is going through a lot, and it’s hard to see them go through it,” Harkleroad said.

Merissa King, 28, knew Chicka for about 15 years. Her mother, Regina Edwards, was Chicka’s girlfriend.

“It’s absolutely heartbreaking. He was so loved by everybody. It’s just really hard to see,” King said as tears filled her eyes. “He was one of the best men I’ve ever known in my life. I looked up to him a lot, so this is tough.”

The loss has been difficult for Edwards, King said.

“She’s a strong woman, but it’s been hard. It’s hard to see her like that,” King said. “I have faith she’ll get through.”

King is putting her faith in the justice system.

“I hope they do what they need to do,” she said, “and I hope that it can give peace to everybody at the end.”

Miller was denied bail at his June arraignment before Petrush, who noted in court records that Miller has ties to Arizona and does not have a stable residence. A formal arraignment is scheduled for Aug. 14 before Common Pleas Judge Timothy Krieger.