Milford is quieter than expected as Frein trial progresses

By Marilyn Rosenthal
MILFORD — The streets of Milford were unexpectedly quiet during the first two of the high-profile trooper ambush case now being tried at the county courthouse.
"We were prepared for a bigger influx than has actually happened," said borough Mayor Sean Strub as he sat in the Conservatory of his establishment, the Hotel Fauchere, surrounded by lush plants and bathed in sunlight. He was in a contemplative mood.
Strub said officials did a lot of careful planning in advance of the trial. The community was traumatized during the weeks-long manhunt in 2014, he said.
Out-of-towners, mostly press from New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, and elsewhere, did come to Milford for the trial, but they are not making a commotion.
Perhaps people are staying away to avoid getting caught up in traffic snarls, pushy crowds, or volatile incidents. Before the trial local residents were unsure of what to expect, given the national attention the ambush and manhunt received in 2014.
Strub said the trial has brought about intense feelings among local residents, especially in discussions about capital punishment. While some people of faith are not for it, some think it's only right, he said.
The mayor says it's a very serious discussion and he wants people to take it seriously.
"Everyone knows what is at stake here, both in terms of justice for the families and for the community," he said.
He continued: "I am proud of the people in Pike County who are treating this trial in a sobering fashion. I'm not seeing nastiness and I am very pleased about that!" Editor's note: This article has been updated to clarify a comment by the mayor.