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Two men accused in a 2004 slaying designed to intimidate the victim's son from testifying in a Beaver County drug trial now face federal charges -- and possibly the death penalty, state and federal authorities said Wednesday.

Jelani Solomon, 27, of Beaver Falls, and Claron Hanner, 28, of Pittsburgh's Knoxville neighborhood, are charged with an array of drug and weapons offenses in connection with the Jan. 19, 2004, slaying of Frank Helisek Jr., 53.

Hanner used a Glock 9 mm handgun to shoot Helisek on the doorstep of his New Brighton home, authorities said. The hit was ordered by Solomon to send a message to Shawn Helisek, the victim's son, who was scheduled to testify the following day against Solomon.

The trial never happened. Solomon pleaded guilty the day after Helisek's killing to one count of cocaine possession with intent to distribute.

Solomon agreed to pay Hanner for killing Frank Helisek, said U.S. Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan, who declined to discuss the price of the contract because that information will be presented at trial.

Hanner, who was identified by a cell phone left at the scene of the slaying, was arrested and charged with criminal homicide, authorities said.

Beaver County District Attorney Dale M. Fouse vowed repeatedly to seek the death penalty and hasn't backed away from that stance, even though the case now is being handled by federal prosecutors.

"It's still our hope and intention that the death penalty be sought in this case," said Fouse, calling Helisek's death a contract murder.

Buchanan said she will decide in the next few days whether to recommend seeking the death penalty. The final decision will be made by U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.

Buchanan said she has sought the death penalty in the past. She said this is a serious crime that was substantially planned and premeditated.

"This is an offense that involved the murder of a father of a witness in a drug-trafficking trial," Buchanan said.

Also included in the indictment -- handed up by a Pittsburgh grand jury Tuesday and unsealed yesterday -- is Solomon's mother, Wanda Solomon, 46, of Ambridge, Beaver County. She is accused of helping her son run the drug operation.

Wanda Solomon pleaded not guilty yesterday in federal court. She has a prior drug conviction and another pending federal indictment. She could face 10 years to life in prison if convicted.

From 1999 through November 2005, authorities allege, Jelani Solomon distributed more than five kilograms of cocaine. While Solomon was in jail, Buchanan said, he continued to run his drug ring with the help of his mother and other people.

A two-year investigation into Jelani Solomon's drug enterprise, which the federal Drug Enforcement Administration dubbed "Operation Enough is Enough," has netted 44 arrests so far.

"This investigation will continue until each person involved in this drug conspiracy and the murder of Frank Helisek is charged," Buchanan said.

Jelani Solomon and Hanner will appear in federal court within the next two weeks, Buchanan said.

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