A Kirkwood man is headed to trial for killing another man during a robbery attempt last month in Manheim Township.
Following a preliminary hearing Tuesday, District Judge David Miller ordered Robert A. Peters IV be tried on homicide, robbery, and related counts, regarding the Oct. 5 shooting on Martha Avenue.
Nicholas Vassallo, 22, was fatally shot, wounded multiple times, during the robbery.
Judge Miller heard testimony from three police officers before ordering the case be bound over to Lancaster County Court for trial, according to Assistant District Attorney Travis S. Anderson, lead prosecutor.
Peters, 18, told police he had arranged to meet for a drug transaction with Vassallo, but intended to rob Vassallo. Peters shot Vassallo during the robbery, then fled in a white Chevy.
Manheim Township police Detective Steven Newman, who filed charges, testified Tuesday about that interview.
State police saw the white Chevy fleeing the area at a high speed, and pursued it. The Chevy eventually crash into a wall at Newport and Hess Road.
Police found a .45-caliber pistol, reported stolen from a home in September, near the vehicle. Peters told police he got the gun from another man and knew it was stolen.
State police Trooper Peter Minko testified about the pursuit and finding the gun.
Manheim Township police Officer Shane Long testified about finding Vassallo, upon his arrival at the scene, and injuries he observed.
In all, Peters is charged with homicide, robbery, conspiracy to robbery, receiving stolen property, illegal possession of a firearm, fleeing police, drug possession, tampering with evidence, and causing a vehicle crash while driving without a license.
He is at Lancaster County Prison without bail.
The investigation of the incident is ongoing.
MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright