COOKSBURG, Pa. -- A convicted murderer from Jefferson County faces execution by lethal injection in September.

It's the 79th death warrant signed by Governor Ed Rendell.

Robert Rega, of Punxsutawney, was convicted of the murder of Gateway Lodge night watchman Christopher Lauth in December 2000.

Rega once worked at the lodge near Cook Forest State Park.

Police said he planned to rob the lodge with a few friends to get money for their children's Christmas presents.

They planned to steal $20,000 from the lodge's safe and ATM.

The group held Lauth hostage but Rega eventually beat and shot him.

Jefferson County officials said Rega has appealed his conviction several times.

They aren't convinced his execution date will be upheld.

"I'll be working on this case for the rest of my career," said District Attorney Jeffrey Burkett.

Burkett said Rega is the first Jefferson County resident on death row in more than 70 years.