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WILKES-BARRE — Luzerne County prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against a Foster Township man accused of killing his girlfriend earlier this year.

Joseph John Marchetti Jr., 51, allegedly beat and shot Antoinette Wilkinson, also known as Toni Lynn, 46, inside their Spring Street home in the township on Jan. 28.

Investigators say Marchetti also beat his girlfriend’s mother, Barbara Wilkinson, 72, with a lead-filled club before shooting himself in the face. The elder Wilkinson survived and testified about her ordeal at Marchetti’s preliminary hearing in March.

Marchetti, who faces counts of criminal homicide and aggravated assault, has pleaded not guilty. He remains jailed at the county correctional facility without bail.

The case is being prosecuted by assistant district attorneys Daniel Zola, Justin Richards and Kyle Scanlon.

Prosecutors cited two aggravating circumstances that make this a capital case: That Marchetti also created a grave risk of death to Barbara Wilkinson, and that he engaged in torture in the killing of Toni Lynn.

Marchetti is represented by county public defenders Michael Kostelaba and Benjamin Stanton.

Paperwork filed Friday in Luzerne County Court indicated that a jury trial has been requested, and it has been set for Feb. 19, 2019.

Homicide suspect Joseph Marchetti Jr. is seen during a recent court proceeding.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/web1_TTL031718Marchetti1-3.jpg.optimal.jpgHomicide suspect Joseph Marchetti Jr. is seen during a recent court proceeding. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader file

By Roger DuPuis

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