Prosecutors have filed a notice of intent to seek death sentences against a man charged with killing his sister and niece in a Lancaster home in July.
James Sterbinsky is charged with two counts of criminal homicide regarding the stabbing deaths of the women, and a count of attempted homicide regarding the stabbing of a male relative who also was at the home.
Sterbinsky, 56, is charged with repeatedly stabbing the women and man July 18 at a High Street home.
He waived a preliminary hearing on all charges on Aug. 30.
Prosecutors filed the notice of intent Wednesday, citing the following aggravating factors to be considered by a jury at trial:
- There were multiple homicide victims;
- Sterbinsky presented a grave risk of danger to others – the man who was stabbed and two children also at the home;
A third aggravating factor was filed regarding the 53-year-old female victim, who was a potential witness in a separate pending case against Sterbinsky, according to Assistant District Attorney Christine L. Wilson, who filed the notice.
The next court date in the case is formal arraignment on Sept. 27.
Sterbinsky is at Lancaster County Prison without bail. He is presumed innocent.
Lancaster city police Detective Heather Halstead filed charges in the double homicide.
MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright