Trial set to begin Monday in football player's slaying
WASHINGTON, Pa. — Jury selection began today for the trial of three men charged in the death of a Butler County college student who died during what authorities allege was a mugging.
Opening statements are scheduled for Monday in the Washington County trial in the death of 21-year-old Timothy McNerney of Penn Township.
Police say the Washington & Jefferson College student and football player was walking back to campus with a teammate from a tavern Oct. 4, 2012, when the two were attacked. Authorities say McNerney died at Washington Hospital after he was knocked to the ground.
Charged with homicide, theft, robbery and conspiracy are 25-year-old Eric Wells of Pittsburgh, 23-year-old Troy Simmons of East Pittsburgh and 24-year-old Adam Hankins of Washington, Pa.
Washington County prosecutors contend the defendants accosted McNerney and Zachary DeCicco of Jefferson Hills, Allegheny County, taking McNerney’s wallet and smart phone, as he and DeCicco walked home from a bar about 2:30 a.m.
The suspects, none affiliated with the college, allegedly attacked the two W & J students.
Police believe Wells punched McNerney, hitting him on the chin and knocking him to the ground. McNerney died of head injuries, likely from hitting his head as he fell, investigators said.
DeCicco was badly beaten, his nose broken, but he managed to get away.
