Greensburg, PA – Pennsylvania State Police have charged Joseph Zvara with criminal homicide and abuse of a corpse following the death of 64-year-old Robert Friend of Greensburg. Zvara was taken into custody on Thursday and is being held without bail at the Westmoreland County Prison.
According to Pennsylvania State Police, Zvara and Friend had no prior connection before an encounter at a Sheetz in Greensburg on Oct. 21. Investigators say the two appeared to have argued after Friend was seen sitting outside the store. Zvara allegedly approached, took an “aggressive posture,” and the two later left together in Zvara’s truck.
Authorities said the pair went to Pizza Siena in Greensburg, where Friend reportedly became drunk and disorderly. The bartender later texted Zvara asking him not to return with Friend. Investigators say Zvara replied, “He disrespected my son at Sheetz. I am going to deal with him.”
Friend was last seen leaving the bar with Zvara. Later that night, police say Zvara texted another person, “I f***ed up.” Investigators tracked Zvara’s movements through his phone, leading them to the area where Friend’s body was later found.
Zvara is due back in court for his preliminary hearing on Monday, Nov. 17, at 10:30 a.m.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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