Exterminator stands trial for murder of Children's Hospital doctor

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- It was a crime that made headlines around the world, a chilling, random murder that claimed the life of a talented young pediatrician and researcher at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Now, 39-year-old Jason Smith - who told police he killed 35-year-old Melissa Ketanuti because she insulted him - is on trial.

It happened in a row house on the 1700 block of Naudain Street in January of 2013. Ketunuti had called an exterminator to her home.

Police say that exterminator, Jason Smith, ended up strangling Melissa and setting her body on fire in the basement.

Shortly after he was arrested, Smith gave police a lengthy confession.

He told them Melissa confronted him in the basement and started questioning his work. He said he eventually became enraged and started choking her.

He told police she cried out, "Please stop, please stop. I'm sorry. I'll do whatever you want."

Investigators found her with a belt around her neck and her wrists and ankles tied with rope.

Police say he then told investigators he then piled every flammable item within reach onto the body and set it on fire.

Video surveillance showed Smith leaving the house and getting into his pickup truck.

A few days later, only Action News was there as police arrested Smith towed the truck away from his home in Levittown.

He sobbed in court as his confession was read during his preliminary hearing last April.

Wednesday morning, Judge Sandy Byrd rejected an attempt by the defense to have that confession thrown out.

And he rejected a motion to prevent the jury from seeing graphic photos of Melissa's body at the murder scene. Even the discussion of the photos provoked tears among Melissa's family and friends.

Melissa's family had no comment as they left court, saying only that they will talk about it when the trial is over.