LEBANON COUNTY, Pa. — All three suspects allegedly involved in the shooting and killing of three people, including two children, in Lebanon appeared in court today.
Sixteen-year-old James Fernandez Reyes, 23-year-old Alex Torres-Santos and 28-year-old Ivan Claudio-Rosero will be back in court for trial on Nov. 16.
The Lebanon County District Attorney, Pier Hess Graf, and Reyes' defense, Michael James Light II, argued whether there was enough evidence to take the case to trial.
DA Graf called Detective Lawrence Minnick of the Lebanon City Police Department to the stand to testify to the evidence, what he saw on the scene and what Reyes verbally admitted to him. According to court documents, Minnick was the arresting officer for Reyes.
Minnick alleged to DA Graf that Reyes had admitted to driving to the location of the shooting with the two other suspects and firing the first round from the backyard of the victim's home.
Light cross-examined Minnick, asking if there was any residue found on Reyes when he was taken into custody. The detective said his clothing was sent for testing, but the results had not yet been received.
Honorable Magisterial District Judge Aurelis Figueroa bound over the case, where Reyes will now head for trial.
Reyes entered the courtroom wearing an orange jumpsuit and was bonded by the arms and ankles with chained handcuffs. There was also a cut on the top of his left eyebrow and cheekbone. Reyes listened to the arguments made with the help of a translator.
Claudio-Rosero appeared in court today for a stipulated hearing where both the defense and prosecuting attorneys agreed on an affidavit of probable cause. Judge Figueroa bound over the case and sent it to trial.
Torres-Santos also appeared in court and listened along with the help of a translator. He waived his preliminary hearing, with Judge Figueroa sending his case to trial.
All three suspects are facing numerous charges, including conspiracy homicide, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm without a license. DA Graf also argued to add reckless endangerment to all three of the suspects' charges, which was granted by the judge. The Lebanon County DA's office is also seeking the death penalty for Claudio-Rosero and Torres-Santos.