Lancaster County prosecutors will seek a first-degree murder verdict this week against a Lancaster Township man charged with repeatedly stabbing his wife – with their infant twins at home.
The trial for Carrington Joseph opens this morning with opening statements before testimony from the first witnesses.
First Assistant District Attorney Christopher Larsen, and his second-chair, Assistant District Attorney Travis Anderson, will ask a local judge to convict Joseph of first-degree murder regarding the May 2 death of 27-year-old Melissa Joseph.
(See Twitter feed for photo.)
Manheim Township police Detective Brian Freysz charged Carrington Joseph with stabbing his wife numerous times during an argument inside 511 Sterling Place.
County President Judge Dennis Reinaker will hear the case and render a verdict. Prosecutors agreed to drop pursuit of the death penalty in exchange for a non-jury trial.
UPDATE: There was a skirmish in the courtroom during testimony Monday morning. A spectator jumped a rail separating the gallery from attorneys and other parties involved in the case.
A sheriff deputy used a Taser. Two sheriff deputies sustained abrasions and bruises, but weren't struck directly by any blows.
The individual stood before President Judge Reinaker on Monday afternoon for contempt of court.
Trial testimony is expected to continue at 2:30 p.m.
The trial is expected to wrap up by week’s end, with a day off Wednesday for Veteran’s Day.
MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us;
Twitter: @BrettHambright