MERCER COUNTY, Pa. (EYT) — A 49-year-old Mercer County man was killed during an apparent robbery on January 11.

A release issued by Mercer-based State Police said the crime occurred around 9:00 p.m. Thursday at a residence along Wallis Avenue in the City of Farrell.

The victim — identified as 49-year-old Harry Kennedy of Farrell — was discovered deceased inside the residence from an apparent gunshot wound.

The Pennsylvania State Police Troop D Major Case Team responded to process the crime scene. An investigation that proceeded throughout the night and into the early morning hours on Friday lead police to a suspect — 27-year-old Gerald Allen Frank of Pittsburgh.

Police said Frank made false statements during the onset of the investigation.

Further investigation revealed a conspiracy plot to rob the victim of cash and narcotics.

During the course of the robbery, the victim was shot. He was transported to Sharon Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

The Mercer County Coroner responded to the scene and conducted a preliminary investigation ruling the death as a homicide.

Frank was taken into custody on January 12 around 10:30 a.m.

He was placed in the Mercer County Jail pending arraignment on the charges of criminal homicide, conspiracy to commit robbery, and theft.