Victor Steban gets life in prison after pleading guilty to double homicide during crime spree

GREENSBURG, Pa. (KDKA) - A man accused of killing a couple during a days-long crime spree in Westmoreland County was sentenced to life in prison after he pleaded guilty to all charges. 

Victor Steban was charged with killing Jake Erdeljac and Mara Casale, shooting them at their home in Penn Township last year.

Steban was charged in connection with a slew of other crimes, including a fire at his own home and multiple drive-by shootings, one of which police said targeted former national Pagan leader Dennis Katoona. 

Police said he also tried to carjack two men as officers were closing in on him on Route 30 after a large manhunt.

Prosecutors planned to seek the death penalty for Steban if he went to trial. As part of the deal, he'll serve a sentence of life in prison. 

"This plea ensures that he will never walk the streets as a free man or threaten our community again," Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole Ziccarelli said in a statement.  

The victims' families said they believe justice is served now that Steban will spend the rest of his life in jail without parole. 

"He's an evil man. He's a man filled with hatred," said Erdeljac's father Rob. 

While Rob Erdeljac said there's no concrete reason for why Steban killed his son, his motivation may have started with Katoona, as his final words while being taken to jail were for him. 

"I'll tell you one thing: the Pagan Motorcycle Club is the only club there is that will promote someone from sergeant of arms to president that rats on you. That's all I have to say," Steban said.