Franklin Regional HS Stabbing Suspect's Case Remains Tied Up In Court
GREENSBURG, Pa. (KDKA) -- A teenager accused of going on a stabbing spree at Franklin Regional High School more than two years ago still has not gone on trial because the case remains tied up in various motions and appeals.
Alex Hribal, accused of stabbing 20 of his classmates and a security guard, faced another hearing Tuesday inside of the Westmoreland County Courthouse.
"This is what they call, 'Call of the List,' meaning the judged asks if the case is ready for trial," said Patrick Thomassey, Hribal's attorney.
Although 16-years-old at the time of the April 2014 attack, Hribal was certified to be tried as an adult. Thomassey asked permission to appeal that decision, pending trial Judge Christopher Feliciani's approval.
Judge Meagan Bilik-DeFazio was on the bench for Tuesday's hearing. Thomassey made one request.
"Put the case on hold until I get a decision from Judge Feliciani," said Thomassey.
On Monday, Westmoreland County District Attorney John Peck filed a motion to have Judge Feliciani deny Thomassey's appeal.
Peck wrote: "More than two years have elapsed since Hribal's arrest, and it is not in the interest of justice nor the wishes of the numerous victims. [Hribal's] defense failed to prove, by preponderance of the evidence, transferring the above matter to juvenile court would serve the public interest."
It did not take long, however, for Judge Feliciani to rule on Thomassey's appeal request. By midafternoon it was denied.
Thomassey says it's not the end of his efforts.
"If Judge Feliciani says no, there's something else I'm going to do," he said.
What that is, Thomassey would not say.
For now, Hribal's trial is still set to start on June 20.
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