Pa. murder suspect lunges at co-defendant in court

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. (AP) — Deputies had to wrestle a murder suspect to the ground after he lunged at a co-defendant inside a northeastern Pennsylvania courtroom.

Luzerne County sheriff’s deputies cleared the courtroom this morning after tackling 33-year-old Michael Simonson.

Simonson headbutted 32-year-old Elvis Riccardi as the pair were in court for a pre-trial hearing. Riccardi was transported to a hospital for treatment.

Both men are charged with killing 34-year-old Donald Skiff in April 2009. Prosecutors say the suspects robbed and beat Skiff to death before setting his truck on fire. The Plymouth man’s body was found more than a month later.

Simonson, of Plains Township, and Riccardi, of Wilkes-Barre, had requested separate trials. Court documents indicate each man blamed the other for the slaying.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.