Volant man set for trial in child beatings
NEW CASTLE, Pa. — A man accused of beating two children — one so severely he had a fractured skull and perforated liver — is heading to trial in Lawrence County.
Sam Whisel, 26, of Volant waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday in Lawrence County Central Court. Whisel’s attorney Dennis Elisco said his client also intends to waive his right to a formal arraignment on April 7. The matter should head to trial after that time.
Whisel was returned to the Lawrence County Jail where he is being held on $200,000 bond. He is charged with attempted homicide, aggravated assault, simple assault, endangering the welfare of children and recklessly endangering another person.
He is accused in the severe beating of his girlfriend’s two children, ages 18 months and 3 years old, earlier this month.
Both children are now in foster care, said District Attorney John Bongivengo.