New Kensington man, 'a friend to everyone,' found slain; former roommate charged with murder

David Risher is remembered as a trusting person with a love of fishing.

He was “a friend to everyone he encountered,” said his sister, Brenda Lee Johnson.

Risher, 58, of New Kensington was found dead early Saturday morning in his home after Johnson reported him missing on Friday.

Police charged Nico Harris, 40, of New Kensington with murder. They say he stabbed Risher to death.

Johnson said she remembers her big brother as a trusting person who was quick to befriend strangers.

Risher narrowly survived a serious car accident at age 19, his sister said, that impacted his memories of childhood — but his love of fishing that started when he was a little boy spanned his entire life.

Harris, who lived with Risher and another man at 615 Freeport Road until September of last year, is charged with criminal homicide, burglary and trespassing, according to statements from Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole Ziccarelli and Westmoreland County Coroner Timothy Carson.

The incident occurred shortly after 9:30 p.m. Friday, according to the coroner’s statement. Risher was pronounced dead at 4:40 a.m. Saturday. The cause and manner of death are pending further investigation, according to Carson.

Harris was arraigned on the charges Saturday morning and is being held without bond in the Westmoreland County Prison.