Judge rejects Youngwood man's appeal of murder conviction

A Westmoreland County judge on Monday rejected the appeal of a Youngwood man who sought to withdraw his guilty plea last year to third-degree murder.

Michael James Covington Jr., 26, claimed he was coerced into accepting a deal that resulted in a 60-year prison sentence.

He also argued that the minimum sentence of 25 years behind bars, part of a negotiated plea deal, was excessive.

Westmoreland County Common Pleas Court Judge Christopher Feliciani ruled there was no merit to Covington’s argument.

Covington admitted during his murder trial to his role in the 2017 robbery and stabbing of Matthew Genard, 50, in Youngwood.

According to prosecutors, Covington and two other men barged into Genard’s home, stabbed him 22 times and stole $1,100 in cash, a cellphone, his clothes and illicit drugs, including marijuana and cocaine.

“The defendant admitted on the record to committing the acts in which he pleaded guilty to and there is nothing in the record to indicate that defendant entered anything other than a knowing, intelligent and voluntary plea,” the judge wrote.

Covington prosecutors sought convictions of first-degree and second-degree murder, crimes that carry a mandatory life prison sentence if he had been found guilty.

In entering his plea, Covington made gave an impassioned apology to Genard’s surviving family members.

“If given the chance I would put flowers on his grave and visit him every year,” he said. “I hope some day in the future you will see I am really genuine with my words. I am really sorry for what you have lost, and I’m hoping you can find it in your heart to forgive me.”

Two other men were convicted in connection with Genard’s killing.

Christopher David, 46, of Youngwood, pleaded guilty in 2020 to third-degree murder, robbery and conspiracy. He was sentenced to 35 to 70 years in prison. Prosecutors said David was the ringleader of the group.

Jason Sullenberger, 46, of Youngwood, also pleaded guilty to the same offenses and was sentenced to 15 to 30 years in prison.

Linda Kay Quidetto, 43, of Sharon, was charged with criminal homicide, robbery and conspiracy in connection with claims she received a portion of the drugs and money stolen from Genard. Quidetto died by suicide in 2020 in the county jail while awaiting trial.