Trial date for man in fatal shooting set for 2022

A Uniontown man accused of shooting a woman outside a bar in 2022 told a judge Monday that he would like to postpone his trial so he can have more time with his defense attorney.

“I don’t think we’ve had time to go through the case,” said Terrell Jones, who is accused of killing 34-year-old Samatha Harden, outside McPatton’s Pub on North Gallatin Avenue in Uniontown.

Jones’ attorney, Phyllis A. Jin, said Monday that her client had rejected a 30- to 60-year plea agreement that included the murder charge and wanted more time to prepare for trial. Fayette County Judge Nancy D. Vernon has scheduled Jones’ trial for February 2025.

According to court documents and police records, Jones left McPatton’s Pub after becoming involved in a verbal altercation with another man.

According to police reports, surveillance footage showed Jones getting into a white Mercedes Benz that was driving toward East Kerr Street before returning about 10 minutes later and firing several shots from inside the vehicle. One of the bullets struck Harden in the head.

Jones was indicted in April 2023 following an investigation by a grand jury in Fayette County.

In addition to manslaughter, Jones is also charged with two counts of attempted manslaughter, one count of illegal possession of fire, and three counts each of aggravated assault, simple assault and reckless endangerment.