WASHINGTON COUNTY, Pa. -- A Washington County man facing homicide charges could be sentenced to death if found guilty.



Frank Jones, 23, pleaded not guilty to homicide charges during his arraignment on Thursday. He's accused of stabbing 80-year-old Opal Bedillion to death.



Investigators said Jones wanted drug money and planned to rob the older woman because he knew she was a widow and lived alone.



Police said when Opal opened her front door, Jones stabbed her in the face, neck and stomach.



"It is rare for us to seek the death penalty," said Washington County District Attorney Gene Vittone.



Vittone said it takes specific circumstances to file a capital case and when prosecutors met those circumstances they didn't hesitate.



"Where it's appropriate, we have no qualms or inhibitions, if the aggravating factor is there we need to file it," Vittone said.



Investigators said Opal's nephew found his aunt stabbed to death. After her death, police said Jones stole her jewelry, cash and prescription medications.



There was only one death penalty case in Washington County last year.