Keith Jordan Lambing is in the Butler County government center this afternoon to have two preliminary hearings.

Lambing, 20, is charged with criminal homicide and rape in connection with the killing of 4-year-old Bentley Thomas Miller in Butler Township last month.

Bentley was the son of his girlfriend, MacKenzie Peters, who Lambing was watching at the Super 8 motel. Peters and Lambing's mother, Kristen Herold, also are facing various charges.

Lambing also is facing a felony escape charge filed in Butler after prison guards uncovered a plan to escape involving some of his relatives.

Lambing Thursday was escorted from the prison into the government center by county sheriff's deputies.

Sheriff Mike Slupe and four deputies are keeping guard outside the courtroom and taking cellphones and recording devices from anyone who enters the room.

The hearing is being attended by police officers, attorneys, reporters and very few members of the public.