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Victims say assault was over drugs

Couple testifies about shooting, stabbing

SLIPPERY ROCK — A Sept. 11 shooting and stabbing in West Liberty was over drugs, according to testimony Wednesday in district court.

Transported from Butler County Prison, Gary F. Sweesy, 47, of Harrisville, pleaded not guilty at his preliminary hearing before District Judge Bill O'Donnell. He remains in jail without bond.

Sweesy has been charged with six felonies, including one count of attempted homicide, two counts of aggravated assault, one count of burglary, one count of trespassing and one count of gun possession. He is also charged with misdemeanors, including two counts of simple assault, two counts of reckless endangerment and one count of terroristic threats.

On Wednesday, O'Donnell held all 11 charges for the Butler County Court of Common Pleas. He did so after listening to testimony from the man and woman injured in the altercation as well as investigators.

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