Paris Carter

A murder suspect pleaded not guilty at a Wednesday preliminary hearing.

Following transport by Butler County Sheriff's deputies, Paris E. Carter, 22, of Downingtown, sat quietly as his public defender, Mike McFarland, led his defense.

Carter is charged with homicide in the killing of David A. Hines, 38, of New Castle.

Hines' body was found May 17 in his vehicle along Portersville Road near Route 422 and Interstate 79 in Muddy Creek Township. Hines had been shot in the head.

The prosecution, led by Assistant District Attorney Robert Zanella, called two witnesses to testify.

The first witness was driving the vehicle when the shooting took place.

“He's shooting my friend, Chop. Three shots,” said the witness. “I'm yelling, 'What are you doing?'”

This is an excerpt from an article that will appear in Thursday's Butler Eagle.