PITTSBURGH — Authorities in western Pennsylvania say the son of a slain elderly couple is responsible for fatally shooting them.

Allegheny County police cited new DNA evidence in charging 52-year-old James Yeckel Jr. on Friday with two counts of homicide.

The bodies of 74-year-old James and Carol Ann Yeckel were found in their suburban Pittsburgh home in September. Authorities say they were killed with a shotgun. The younger James Yeckel has been in custody since shortly after his parents’ deaths, but charged only with criminal mischief. Police say he smashed computer equipment at the West Deer police station while being interviewed.

Assistant District Attorney Mark Tranquilli says Yeckel has struggled with mental illness.