Details emerge after Blair County murder suspect surrendered: ‘Justice needed done’

BLAIR COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — New details have emerged after a murder suspect turned himself in at state police barracks in Hollidaysburg moments after allegedly shooting and killing a man in an act he called “justice.”

David Jenkins, 51, of Duncansville, was charged Friday morning with first-degree murder after Allegheny Township police said he left 60-year-old Zachary Smola dead in the middle of the road around 6 p.m. and drove to state police in Hollidaysburg.

According to the criminal complaint filed Friday morning, Jenkins arrived at the barracks and said he wanted to turn himself in. Blair County 911 dispatched first responders to Longview Drive in Duncansville during this time.

Smola was found in the middle of Longview Road where he was ultimately pronounced dead from a gunshot wound to the head. A witness told police they heard arguing while watching the news and looked out a window to see Jenkins and Smola as Jenkins pulled the man from his riding lawn-mower, charges show. Moments later, before 911 could be called, the witness said they heard a gunshot and looked to see Jenkins lowering the weapon as Smola lay in the street. The witness went on to say Jenkins got into his white Ford Focus and drove off.

While investigating, detectives said they learned that Jenkins had called the mother of his children as he was driving to state police barracks, the affidavit reads. The woman claimed that Jenkins said something about a “pedophile” and that he killed someone and was on his way to turn himself in.

According to the complaint, police spoke with Jenkins who claimed: “Justice needed done.” He went on to claim that Smola had molested him and another woman and he’s tried numerous times to file a report. Police noted that he claimed he tried most recently on Sept. 17, but Jenkins accused the District Attorney’s office of hanging up on him. When investigators asked how Jenkins knew Smola was dead, he said he shot him in the head and saw him lying in the road as he drove off.

According to Jenkins’ version of the incident, he wanted to see if he could find Smola walking on the street and when he did, he got out of his car and an argument ensued. According to charges, Jenkins told police he tried to “choke” him while on his lawnmower. The two got more physical and Jenkins said he retrieved a rifle from the front of his car and shot Smola in the head from about 10 feet away. He then put the firearm back in his car and drove to turn himself in. A search warrant found an AK-47-style rifle in the backseat of Smola’s car along with blood on the trunk, the complaint shows.

It should be noted that Blair County court dockets have no record of Smola being charged for the crimes Jenkins alleged against him. The last criminal charge Smola faced was more than 30 years ago (July 1994) for simple assault and harassment.

Stay up to date with the latest news in the palm of your hand. Click here to download the WTAJ app for Apple and Android devices.

In addition to murder in the first degree, Jenkins also faces aggravated assault, possession of a weapon, strangulation and lesser related charges.

Jenkins’ bail was denied and he was placed in Blair County Prison. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 17.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com.