Separate trials ordered in slaying outside bar


January 27, 2014 at 8:45a.m.

Separate trials ordered in slaying outside bar

NORRISTOWN, Pa. (AP) — A judge has ordered separate trials for two men charged in a shooting death outside a southeastern Pennsylvania bar last year.

Twenty-year-old Maurice Andrews Jr. of Pottstown and his cousin, 27-year-old Michael Hinton of Norristown, are charged in the March 2013 slaying of Victor Baez outside Brian’s Cafe in Pottstown.

The (Pottstown) Mercury reports that President Judge William Furber Jr. agreed to sever the trials of the two men, who are both charged with first-, second- and third-degree murder as well as conspiracy and firearms crimes.

Andrews’ attorney, Gregory DiPippo, sought the trial severance, arguing that prosecutors intend to introduce statements allegedly made by Hinton linking his client to the slaying. Hinton’s attorney, Patrick McMenamin Jr., has asked a judge to throw out the statements.