New Castle man charged with killing baby

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — A city man is charged with criminal homicide in the death of his girlfriend’s 18-month-old baby boy.

Mark Strickler, 22, of Johns Street, was arraigned Wednesday in the office of District Justice Melissa Amodie.

Charges of recklessly endangering another person and endangering the welfare of children were withdrawn as the homicide charge, the most serious of homicide charges under Pennsylvania law, was filed. The boy, whose name is not being released, died Tuesday at Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh, where he was admitted after being injured at the Johns Street home April 12.

Lawrence County District Attorney John Bongivengo said his office will seek the death penalty.

“Every homicide is tragic,” Bongivengo said. “But when you have an 18-month-old child, it’s somehow worse.”

For the complete story, see Friday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.