When police arrived at the Bethel Park home of Tracy and John Pavlick early yesterday morning, they found Mr. Pavlick's body pinned beneath the Buick Regal of Ms. Pavlick's former boyfriend, Jason Kasper, on the neighbor's lawn. Neighbors frantically pumped a jack to try to lift the car, but the tool sunk into the soft grass.

Mr. Pavlick, 49, was pronounced dead at the scene. The Allegheny County medical examiner said he died of asphyxiation.

Jason Kasper

Now, Mr. Kasper, also of Bethel Park, faces a slew of charges -- including homicide, homicide by vehicle and drunk driving -- for allegedly running Mr. Pavlick over following a physical altercation. He was arraigned yesterday afternoon.

Ms. Pavlick told police that she had been on and off with both men. She filed for divorce from Mr. Pavlick in July 2008 and began dating Mr. Kasper, but had gotten back together with Mr. Pavlick about two months ago. The two were married in 2000 in the Virgin Islands, according to court records.

Mr. Kasper told police that Ms. Pavlick invited him to join her and her husband at a Halloween party Saturday evening. She told police she and her husband became uncomfortable in Mr. Kasper's presence and left.

Mr. Kasper told police he received another text message from Ms. Pavlick, inviting him to her house on Grey Fox Circle.

Mr. Kasper talked to Ms. Pavlick outside and then was confronted by Mr. Pavlick.

When Mr. Kasper jumped into his car, Mr. Pavlick jumped on the hood.

Ms. Pavlick told police that Mr. Kasper "put the gas pedal to the floor" with Mr. Pavlick still on the hood of his car and drove onto the neighbor's lawn. Mr. Pavlick then rolled off the hood and under the car.

Ms. Pavlick said that Mr. Kasper started screaming "It was his fault. He jumped onto the hood of my car."

Mr. Kasper told police that he did not intentionally run Mr. Pavlick over, but that his foot became stuck under the brake pedal and on the gas pedal. He admitted he had four drinks that evening.

Mr. Kasper is being held without bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 6.

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