Alleged Bucks Co Kidnaper Accused Of Philly Murder: Authorities

PHILADELPHIA — A 36-year-old man awaiting trial after robbing and kidnapping a man in Buvks County is now facing attempted homicide charges in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia Homicide Detectives have filed homicide charges against Pavel Belous of Philadelphia, for a murder that occurred in the city the week prior.

Before an alleged robbery and kidnapping in Upper Southampton on March 11, Philadelphia authorities said Belous killed a 62-year-old man in the city on March 5, according to the Bucks County District Attorney's Office.

In a preliminary hearing on June 3, the Upper Southampton victim identified Belous as the masked man who entered his car in the McDonald's parking lot, put a knife to his throat, and demanded money. When the victim gave $20, Belous forced him to drive to an ATM and withdraw $450, police said.

Belous then removed his face covering and threatened to kill the victim, who had now seen his face and could identify him. He ordered the victim to drive to his home to get more money. The victim tried to call 911 on the way, but hung up before the call was answered.

He then called his mother to say he was bringing a friend over. When they got to his house, the victim's mother was outside and Belous threatened to "cut his throat," and "rape and kill your mother," according to the criminal complaint.

He threatened to then "burn your house down," saying he had "killed people before," the complaint continued.

When both Belous and the victim got out of the car, the victim was able to retrieve his folding knife from inside the vehicle and stab Belous in the back. The victim then ran inside his house and called 911. Police arrested Belous when they found him hiding in the victim's car.

"I can't imagine the terror that the victim must have felt," District Attorney Matthew Weintraub said. "He acted with great resourcefulness and courage. I commend him for his bravery."

The details of the murder in Philadelphia are similar. The DA's office said that the victim had his throat cut before his home was set on fire. Police said Belous' palm print was found on the wall in the home, and that surveillance video in the area showed Belous trying to enter the victim's car, and carrying briefcases from the victim's home.

Belous was arraigned on Wednesday afternoon, on two counts of attempted homicide. His bail, previously set at $500,000, is now set at $5 million. He is being held at Bucks County Correctional Facility.

Detective Anthony Marsaglia with the Upper Southampton Police Department investigated the March 11 robbery and kidnapping. Deputy District Attorney Robert D. James is prosecuting the case.

Story by Kate Fishman