Nathan D. Michael

A 27-year-old Butler man was charged Tuesday, June 25, with criminal homicide following the fatal shooting of a Pittsburgh man Monday night at a home on Spooner Drive in Butler Township.

Nathan D. Michael, 27, is accused of shooting and killing Joseph Derenzo, 38, who sustained at least three gunshot wounds to his chest, lower right abdomen and elbow, police said.

Michael was charged with one count of criminal homicide on Tuesday. Charging documents indicate Michael was placed in Butler County Prison and denied bail Tuesday. His preliminary hearing is scheduled July 7 before District Judge Kevin O’Donnell.

The shooting was reported around 10:27 p.m. Monday to the Butler County 911 Center by a caller who was later identified as Michael, police said.

Michael initially told dispatchers he shot an armed man who broke into his house in the 100 block of Spooner Drive, according to police, but his testimony to officials about the shooting changed as the dispatcher questioned him and over the course of the investigation.

According to charging documents, Michael then said he knew the man, later identified as Derenzo, and an argument between them had led to the shooting. Police said it was reported Michael shot Derenzo at close range, and that two guns were in the home.

The 911 call ended as police arrived on scene and lasted approximately eight minutes, charging documents show.

Derenzo was found dead on the floor of the garage, police said. Charging documents show a black, semi-automatic pistol and an AR-15-style rifle were found at opposite ends of the garage.

Butler Township officers said Michael and two others who were in the home were detained.

According to police, when Michael was interviewed, he changed his statement, calling Derenzo a “pedophile” who was “tweaking and deserved to be shot.”

Charging documents indicate Michael told police that Derenzo arrived at the home angry and allegedly under the influence of drugs. Police said Michael disclosed Derenzo was attempting to enter the home and Michael told him to leave.

According to charging documents, Michael told police that when he walked into the garage, he saw Derenzo moving toward an AR-15-style rifle. Charging documents also show Micheal told police that he pulled a firearm as Derenzo reached for his waistband and then shot Derenzo five to six times in the chest.

The two people who were in the home at the time of the shooting said they did not hear arguing before hearing gunshots, police said. Documents show they told police Michael was agitated and argued with one of them several times that night.

According to the affidavit, investigators were informed Derenzo was treated for a gunshot wound on May 18 at Butler Memorial Hospital. Police said Michael was suspected to be involved in that previous incident.