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Wilkinsburg Massacre Survivor In Court On Assault Charges

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Lamont Powell's attorney says his client is getting by after losing his sister Chanetta Powell who was eight months pregnant during a backyard barbecue shooting in March in Wilkinsburg. She was one of five who died that day, plus her unborn baby.

"As far as I know he's back to normal everytime I see him he's getting better moving a little quicker. In the beginning, his gait was unsteady but now he seems fine." Defense attorney Frank Walker said.

The 24-year-old headed out of court Thursday without acknowledging the media after his preliminary hearing.

He was in court for an alleged incident involving his late sister and her ex-boyfriend from December of 2015. The witness in the case never showed up.

Powell is accused of forcing the ex-boyfriend to his knees at gunpoint then punched and kicked him in the face multiple times.

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"According to the Commonwealth, Mr. Coats broke into home into window. His sister was frightened she called her brother for assistance and came down to assist and they got into a dispute according to their testimony," Walker said.

The judge upheld both the aggravated assault charge and simple assault charge against Lamont Powell for court.

Powell was most recently in the news at the beginning of the month for failing to show up for his trial on unrelated drug charges in Washington County. A warrant was issued for his arrest. He was tracked down after officials after receiving a tip on his whereabouts.

Powell was the intended target in the Wilkinsburg mass shooting case. At the end of June, Cheron Shelton, 26, and Robert Thomas, 27, were charged with criminal homicide.

"He was surprised when they charged the individuals. He found out the same day I found out the same day everyone else found out," Walker said.

Powell's formal arraignment is scheduled at the courthouse on August 30.

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