Taylor Christian DiBart, 17, of 117 Simmons Road, McMurray, was held on a charge of aggravated assault following a 30-minute preliminary hearing Tuesday before District Judge James Ellis.
DiBart did not testify. The victim, Hunter Braden, 18, of Peters, did not attend the hearing. Although three people testified, no motive for the assault was given.
Township police were called at 5:37 p.m. April 30 to Urgent Care on Washington Road, McMurray, for a report of an assault.
Braden was taken from DiBart's yard by private car to the emergency medical center, where a physician determined he needed treatment at a trauma center.
Dr. Ediri Montoya, who was on duty at Urgent Care, said Braden walked into the medical facility. After determining he had a depressed skull fracture and was bleeding from his ear, she called for paramedics to transport Braden to a Pittsburgh hospital. Montoya said Braden had a low heart rate, was pale and was sweating. She said there was blood on a T-shirt he had on his head.
Police said DiBart was at his house with a group of friends when Braden arrived by car. The two met in the front yard, with DiBart striking Braden first in the shoulder and then on the left side of his head with a metal baseball bat, witnesses told police.
A 17-year-old boy who was at the house said he did not hear what the two talked about, but saw DiBart strike Braden.
Braden has been released from the hospital and attended classes at Peters Township High School Tuesday, according to DiBart's attorney, Christopher Blackwell.
Township police Sgt. Rob Kemp testified that he visited Braden Monday and found he is "functioning, walking" but has some "memory issues" in which he can't "relate a name to a person" and can't remember the names of some objects.
There was no medical testimony offered as to Braden's current condition.
When Kemp was asked by Blackwell if he was aware of threatening messages sent by telephone to witnesses, Kemp said, "I have no firsthand knowledge."
Kemp also said he did not see the event and relied on witnesses' accounts.
Blackwell argued that the only charge filed in the case, aggravated assault, should be dismissed, as the act appeared to be self-defense. There was no intent, Blackwell said, because Braden came to DiBart's house and was asked to leave before the assault.
Washington County Assistant District Attorney Michael Fagella argued that the event was "face to face."
Ellis held the charge for court and ordered there be no contact between anyone involved in the incident.
DiBart remains free on $25,000 bond.