Prosecutors Await Results in Slaying of Local College Student

Prosecutors are awaiting the results of evidence tests in the case of two men accused of killing a Wheeling Jesuit University student who hailed from Bucks County.

Ohio County prosecutor Scott Smith tells The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register that he's not sure whether his office will be ready to present the case to the grand jury when it convenes in January.

"We're still following up with law enforcement on the investigation. ... We'll just have to see what happens and make decisions at that point," Smith told the paper.

Twenty-year-old Craig Tyler Peacock of Clewiston, Fla., and 24-year-old Jarrett Mathis Chandler of Winnfield, La., are each charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of 21-year-old Bucks County native Kevin Figaniak. Prosecutors say Figaniak was beaten during an argument on Aug. 31 and died from his injuries the next day.

Scott declined to comment on the evidence that was sent to the West Virginia State Police Crime Laboratory for analysis.

Figaniak hailed from Perkasie, Bucks County, Pa. Pennridge High School principal Dr. Thomas Creeden said in a statement that the entire school community was "saddened and shocked" by the "horrific death."

"Kevin was an outstanding young man with a high level of energy and a very competitive nature. Kevin was a hardworking student with a love for ice hockey and lacrosse. He continued that eagerness for competition through his college years... His teachers describe him as always upbeat and caring for his teammates and peers. Kevin will be sorely missed by everyone at Pennridge High School."

Figaniak played both lacrosse and hockey while majoring in business at Wheeling Jesuit where he was set to graduate this spring.

“Kevin spent the last three years at Wheeling Jesuit forging friendships and in his final hours, Kevin was surrounded by those friends and his family, who, through their love and prayers, brought Kevin home to Jesus,” said WJU president Rev. James Fleming in a prepared statement.

Figaniak and his friend were attacked by a group of three to four men along Locust Avenue in a residential neighborhood near some bars and restaurants. Figaniak's friend suffered some bumps and bruises, according police.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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