Roommate booked on charges in professor’s slaying

PITTSBURGH – Authorities say a roommate is facing charges in the deaths of a university professor and his dog found slain in the Pittsburgh home they shared.

Thirty-five-year-old Joseph Martin faces criminal homicide and aggravated cruelty to animals charges in the death of 71-year-old Ricardo Tobia, whose body was found Saturday.

Tobia was a voice instructor at Point Park University in Pittsburgh. He was a professor there for 35 years and worked part time.

An autopsy showed Tobia suffered stab wounds, a laceration and a gunshot wound to the head. Tobia’s beagle had its throat cut and was shot in the head.

Authorities in Allegheny County said Martin has long dealt with psychiatric issues and was arrested after his release from a hospital. His attorney didn’t immediately return a call seeking comment.