LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. – A Lancaster County District Court Judge orders a Kirkwood man to stand trial for killing a Lancaster City man during an attempted robbery last month in Manheim Township.
Judge David Miller’s ordered followed a preliminary hearing Tuesday for Robert A. Peters IV. The 18 year old will be tried on Homicide, Robbery, and related counts, regarding the October 5th shooting of Nicholas Vassalo, 22, on Martha Avenue. Vassallo died as a result of multiple gunshot wounds during the robbery.
Judge Miller heard testimony from three police officers before ordering the case bound over to Lancaster County Court for trial, according to lead prosecutor, Assistant District Attorney Travis S. Anderson.
Peters told investigators he had arranged to meet for a drug transaction with Vassallo, but intended to rob him instead. He allegedly shot Vassallo during the robbery, then fled in a white Chevy.
State police saw the white Chevy fleeing the area at a high speed, and pursued it. Peter eventually crash the Chevy into a wall at the intersection of Newport and Hess Road.
A State Trooper found a .45-caliber pistol, reported stolen from a home in September, near the car. Peters told police he got the gun from another man and knew it was stolen.
Other charges against Peters include 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.
Peters continues to be held without bail at Lancaster County Prison.
