More Arrests Possible in Drugstore Killing: DA

Investigators want to know if two murder suspects accused of killing a drugstore manager acted alone.

A prosecutor says more people might have been involved in last week's shooting death of drugstore manager Jason McClay.

Authorities in Delaware County have arrested a Philadelphia man and woman in the slaying of 40-year-old McClay of Broomall in the Rite Aid store on the 2700 block of W 9th Street in Chester, Pa. on Thursday night.

Emily Harris, spokeswoman for District Attorney Jack Whelan told NBC10 that the investigation is ongoing, “including determining whether others were involved.”

Authorities allege that 24-year-old David Wiggins and 23-year-old Rita Pultro walked into the Rite Aid store minutes before closing and asked McClay for help with a product. Witnesses said a struggle ensued and the Navy veteran was shot.

Harris said that county and city detectives were re-interviewing witnesses as the investigation continued. Anyone with information is ask to call Det. Nelson Collins at 610-447-8431 or Det. David Tyler at 610-891-4708.

Chester Police Commissioner Joseph Bail said Wiggins and Pultro entered the Rite Aid store along the 2700 block of W 9th Street just before 10 p.m. Thursday and "engaged the manager (in) an apparent scuffle."

When officers arrived they found 40-year-old Jason McClay, shot in the head. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators didn't say who they believe pulled the trigger and killed McClay.

Officials say Pultro has a lengthy rap sheet. She was most recently arrested back on June 10, 2012 and charged with aggravated assault, possession of an instrument of crime, terroristic threats, simple assault and reckless endangerment. She was scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 16 for those charges.

A police source tells NBC10's Na'eem Douglas that this is not the first time Wiggins has been in trouble with the law. He was arrested 18 times for various crimes including burglary.

The Delaware County District Attorney office says the death penalty will be reviewed because of Wiggins' criminal history.

Bruce McClay told NBC10 on the scene that his son was a graduate of Haverford High School who went on the serve in the Navy. He said his son lived in Broomall and was only working so late Thursday night because he was helping out a co-worker.

McClay's younger sister, Jessica McClay-Frank, said her brother was the eldest of five siblings and served in the Navy for seven years. He was living with McClay-Frank to help around the house after her husband died last year.

When NBC10 asked her if she thought the company did enough to protect its workers, she replied, "Absolutely not. There should have been an armed guard there regularly," said McClay-Frank. "There were two attempted robberies in the last month."

Bruce McClay said his son only started working at the store about a year ago and expressed concerns about security at the store.

"He said it was dangerous all the time," said the elder McClay outside the store. "He knew the risks but the risks don't change the fact that they should have somebody here to walk these people out."
Witnesses inside the store said they heard a loud bang inside the store before rushing out and calling police.

Rite Aid released a statement Friday addressing security concerns.

"Safety and security is a top priority for Rite Aid and we work diligently to prevent and investigate robberies. We work with all levels of law enforcement, our retail competitors and industry groups to share information and tactics in an effort to deter and prevent robberies, and we are committed to taking the necessary steps to ensure we are providing a safe environment for our associates and customers."

"Our hearts and prayers go out to Jason’s family, friends and co-workers. We are extremely saddened by the tragic loss of our team member. We met with his family this morning to offer our deepest sympathies and we will continue to be available to them during this difficult time," a spokesperson for Rite Aid said in a statement.

On Saturday, four armed guards were inside the store from open to close. A Rite Aid representative said security will be in place for the foreseeable future.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for David Wiggins for tomorrow.

Pultro's preliminary hearing is scheduled for October 2.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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