News

June 25, 2007

Selenski, Weakley attorneys want some charges dropped

DAVID WEISS dweiss@timesleader.com

WILKES-BARRE – A judge will decide whether homicide suspects Hugo Selenski and Paul Weakley should stand trial on all their charges.

Attorneys for Weakley had asked that all his charges be thrown out because prosecutors failed to present sufficient evidence at a preliminary hearing. Selenski’s attorneys asked for some of his charges to be thrown out, also.

Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas Judge Chester Muroski heard argument on the issues Tuesday. He will issue a ruling.

Selenski and Weakley are charged with killing pharmacist Michael Kerkowski and Tammy Fassett.

The two went missing in May 2002 before the pharmacist was to be sentenced in Wyoming County Court on numerous charges, including illegal distribution of drugs and fraud.

Police found their bodies buried behind Selenski’s Mount Olivet Road home in Kingston Township in June 2003.

Muroski on Tuesday also heard arguments on other issues.

Selenski attorney John Pike said he needed prosecutors to give a more specific timeframe as to when the alleged homicides occurred in case he needs to file a notice of an alibi defense for his client.

Pike also wants District Attorney David Lupas to turn over any documents related to any discussions Selenski’s former girlfriend Tina Strom has had with federal prosecutors.

Pike also said he wanted more information about police in 2003 entering Weakley’s apartment without a warrant to search it.

Another hearing is set for April 27.

David Weiss, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 831-7397.

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