DA: Frein defense asks for extension
MILFORD — Eric Frein, the Canadensis man accused of fatally shooting Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Bryon Dickson and seriously wounding Trooper Alex Douglass at the Blooming Grove barracks in September 2014, is still awaiting trial.
Pike County District Attorney Raymond Tonkin said Monday that his office is still waiting for the Court to decide on a hearing in order to move forward.
“In the later part of November, the defense filed a motion requesting an extension of time to file pre-trial motions and pre-trial notices," said Tonkin. "The District Attorney's Office filed a response and motion to unseal the motion by the defense. We are awaiting a determination by the Court as to whether there will be a hearing on the respective motions.”
Frein was arrested Oct. 30, 2014, after an extensive manhunt in the woods surrounding Blooming Grove and Canadensis. Local, state, and federal officers participated in the operation, at a cost to Pennsylvania taxpayers of about $11 million, according to the Governor's Office of Homeland Security.
In addition to the previous charges of first degree murder for killing Corporal Dickson and attempted criminal homicide of a law enforcement officer in the shooting of Trooper Douglass, Tonkin later added two counts of terrorism for possessing weapons of mass destruction. Two bombs were allegedly found in the woods during the search.
The terrorism charge is based on Frein's alleged intention to "influence the policy of government by intimidation or coercion."
Tonkin is seeking the death penalty against Frein.
Frein is being represented by attorneys Robert Bernathy and Michael Weinstein at the Pike County Public Defender's Office.
Frein was caught in late October by U.S. marshals after 48 days that caused disruptions in the Pocono Mountain communities with school closings and other cancellations. He was captured outside an abandoned airport hangar near the Birchwood-Pocono Airpark, near the former Birchwood Resort in Tannersville, and is believed to have planned his attack for several years.
By Anya Tikka