Suspect in killing of Jefferson Hills motel owner arrested in Sacramento

A 61-year-old man wanted in the murder of a Jefferson Hills motel clerk last year has been arrested in California, according to Allegheny County police.

A tip led the U.S. Marshals Service to a Sacramento hospital Monday morning, where they arrested Derrick L. Gallaway on charges including homicide, robbery and theft, said Lt. Andrew Schurman.

Gallaway was wanted for the May 27, 2016, killing of 78-year-old Denhad “Danny” Taiedi inside the Jefferson Hills Motel on Route 51. Taiedi, who owned the motel, was working the front desk when Gallaway allegedly walked in and shot him.

Police said that Gallaway was using methamphetamine with a man staying at the motel when he decided to rob the front desk. He shot Taiedi in the head during the ensuing struggle.

DNA evidence and witness statements led police to file the charges against Gallaway three months later in August 2016. He remained on the lam until his arrest more than a year later.

Taiedi and his wife, Linda, bought to motel in 2001. They also owned the Baldwin nightclub Someplace Else and Saddlebrook Stables in South Park. Linda Taiedi died in 2013.

Megan Guza is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach her at 412-380-8519, mguza@tribweb.com or via Twitter @meganguzaTrib.