Charges Changed As Man Accused Of Setting Boy On Fire Heads To Trial
BUTLER COUNTY (KDKA) – A man charged with setting fire to his ex-girlfriend's young son was in court today.
And he left the courthouse facing different charges as he heads into trial.
Edward Myers waived his right to a preliminary hearing in Chicora, Butler County today.
He is accused of setting fire to the 7-year-old son of his ex-girlfriend.
Police say it happened at a trailer on Carrol Drive in Saxonburg.
The boy told police Myers threw something from the kitchen stove into his eyes, then poured nail polish remover on him and that Myers and one of his sons did something to him on purpose which caused his shirt to catch fire.
But at today's hearing, Myers waived his right to a preliminary hearing, deciding to go straight to trial, based in part on a change in the charges against him.
"The reason why we waived it is they agreed to withdraw the most serious charge -- that being aggravated assault," said defense attorney Jerry Cassady. "They've withdrawn that at this point. But they also amended the complaint to raise the grade of recklessly endangering from a misdemeanor to a felony of the third degree."
Meantime Sheila Paul, a friend of the family of the young burn victim, would not discuss his current condition, but delivered a prepared statement.
"On behalf of the Halliwell family, they would like to thank all the family, friends and complete strangers for their support and prayers for Daniel and the families involved in this horrific event," said Paul. "At this time the Halliwell family is focused on Daniel's recovery and respectfully ask for privacy so they can concentrate their full energy on Daniel's care and they can recover from this horrifying event."
A fund has been set up for the boy as well. Donations can be made to:
The Daniel Fund
Citizens Bank
8050 Peebles Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
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