Exterminator Allegedly Confesses to Murdering Doctor

The confession of the 36-year-old exterminator who allegedly killed a Philadelphia doctor was read in court Wednesday during a preliminary hearing, according to several reports.

Jason Smith, 36, of Crescent Lane in Levittown will face trial on charges of arson, murder and related charges in the death of his customer, Melissa Ketunuti who was a pediatrician at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, according to an article on PhillyBurbs.

Smith told investigators, according to previous Patch reports, that Ketunuti "belittled" him when he was on a freelance exterminator job at her brick-faced townhome at 1728 Nauddain St. in Center City on Jan. 21, which led to an argument that escalated.

A transcript from Smith's confession was released by the Philadelphia Police Department and read out loud in court on Wednesday, April 10 (and can be read on 6ABC.com).

"She said that I shouldn't be an exterminator, that I didn't know what I was doing. I grabbed her and moved her out of the way. I grabbed her by the neck and started choking her. I realized there was blood on the ground. I let go of her. I saw the ropes that were on the shelf. I tied her up. Then I set her on fire. I grabbed my [expletive] and ran out of there," Smith said, according to the transcript.

A few days after the alleged murder, U.S. Marshals, Philadelphia Police, Bristol Township Police and state troopers took Smith from the two-story Bristol Township home he shared with his girlfriend, their child, her mother and other family members, authorities said.

Smith will appear in court for an arraignment next month, according to 6ABC.

Related Articles:

• Police: Exterminator Murders Young Doctor During Argument
• Full Coverage: The Arrest of Jason Smith
• Levittown Man Charged with Murder of Doctor