Herman Burton, 22, of the 2400 block of South 63rd Street in Philadelphia, was in court on Tuesday. He is accused of killing 49-year-old Patrick Brady of Thorndale, Chester County back in late October.
Prosecutors allege that Burton strangled Brady, then set a fire in an attempt to cover up the crime.
Burton was arrested a few days after the killing in the area of 12th and Spruce. Investigators said he still had some of Brady's personal possessions on him at the time, including a cell phone, credit cards and ID.
Police say Burton has a lengthy arrest record for prostitution and violent crimes.
Action News has learned that Brady worked in the IT Department at Thomas Jefferson Hospital, and would often stay in a hotel when work required him to be in the city.
The manager said Brady had been a guest of The Omni before.
