A preliminary hearing has begun for three men jailed on charges they killed a standout western Pennsylvania college running back while mugging him for his wallet and smartphone as he walked home from a bar.
Police say the phone's GPS records led police to two of the three suspects' homes, prompting them to file criminal homicide, robbery, conspiracy and other crimes in the Oct. 4 death of Timothy McNerney. The 21-year-old starred at Knoch High School north of Pittsburgh before attending Washington & Jefferson College.
The (Washington) Observer-Reporter reports defense attorneys for 24-year-old Eric Wells, of McDonald, and 23-year-olds Troy Simmons, of East Pittsburgh, and Adam Hankins, of Washington, Pa., planned to contest the charges at Wednesday's hearing to determine whether the trio must stand trial.
Washington & Jefferson is located about 20 miles southwest of Pittsburgh.
More Stories at NBC10.com:
Booker Says He Expects GOP Support
