First Posted: 9/8/2008
Edward Lewis elewis@timesleader.com
A Luzerne County judge ruled that there will be one trial, denying requests by attorneys for homicide suspects Joseph Kerekes and Harlow Cuadra to have separate trials.
The ruling by Court of Common Pleas Judge Peter Paul Olszewski Jr. is one of several pre-trial issues in anticipation for the scheduled January capital murder trial.
Kerekes, 34, and Cuadra, 27, both from Virginia Beach, Va., are charged in the killing of Bryan Kocis, 44, at Kocis’ Dallas Township home in January 2007.
Investigators allege they killed Kocis, whom they considered their main rival in the gay movie production industry.
Attorneys for Kerekes and Cuadra attempted to have separate trials, claiming they may incriminate the other in the murder.
Two recorded conversations Cuadra and Kerekes had with two men in California can be used by prosecutors, Olszewski ruled.
Olszewski did prohibit prosecutors from using statements Kerekes allegedly made to state police Cpl. Leo Hannon Jr.
Kerekes was arrested by Virginia Beach authorities and allegedly made statements while Hannon read him the criminal complaint.
For the complete story, read The Times Leader on Tuesday.
