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DA: Man at fault in accomplice's shooting death
But the parents of Cole James MacFarlane, 25, are mystified as to why their son is charged with murder when he was not the one who fired the shot that killed William Eyles, 25, of Monongahela.
Washington County District Attorney Steven Toprani said MacFarlane was charged with homicide because the shooting occurred in the commission of a crime, since he and Eyles apparently planned to commit robbery. State police said MacFarlane and Eyles went to the home of Joseph Gallick, 2 Applewood Drive, Pine Top Trailer Park, to rob him. Gallick fired the shot that killed Eyles, police said.
Police, in a criminal complaint filed with District Judge Mark Wilson, stated that Gallick and his girlfriend were awakened about 2 a.m. by their dogs barking and the sound of pounding on the door.
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Gallick said that he was then hit by an unknown object later identified as a baseball bat. He told police he saw something coming at him and fired two shots. Both shots hit Eyles, who then ran across the street and up the driveway to a friend's home. MacFarlane also ran to the home.
The friend, Jesse Cassidy, told police that MacFarlane and Eyles had talked about robbing Gallick and talked about luring him from his home. Cassidy told police that they wanted him to be involved but he did not want to and remained home. He was inside the bathroom at his home when he heard the gunshots. When he came out of the bathroom, he saw Eyles in his home, bleeding.
Eyles was flown to Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, where he died of a gunshot wound to the chest.
MacFarlane's parents, Laurie and Paul MacFarlane, want to know why it is their son who is charged with his friend's death and not Gallick.
"He shot at both boys," Paul MacFarlane said after his son's arraignment, when he and his wife learned their son was charged with murder. "My son is lucky to be alive. Those boys had no weapons."
Paul MacFarlane said Eyles was 20 feet from Gallick's home when he was shot.
"I was surprised he was charged with criminal homicide," the father added. "I thought maybe he'd get charged with criminal conspiracy."
Laurie MacFarlane said her son and Eyles were good friends, having grown up together and played baseball together.
"You can't just shoot people and walk away," she said.
Gallick was treated at Monongahela Valley Hospital for injuries suffered during the robbery attempt. Police did not indicate whether he would face any charges.
MacFarlane was arraigned before Wilson on charges of homicide; a combined charge of attempted robbery, aggravated assault and simple assault; a combined charge of conspiracy to commit robbery, aggravated assault and simple assault; and criminal mischief.
The judge set no bond.
Self Defense : 9/26/2009
You don't consider a bat a weapon? The two were cowards to hit him from behind with a bat. I call it justifiable homicide.
25 year old at fault : 9/26/2009
This man should of never been charged with murder, the guy who did the shooting should of been charged, I wonder who he knows??
CRIME : 9/26/2009
DO THE CRIME...DO THE TIME....INNOCENT....DON'T THINK SO....LIVE WITH IT!
Stupid Parenting : 9/26/2009
Good shooting Mr. Gallick. And good for you, Mr. Toprani, for filing appropriate charges. The parents should be thankful that their son is being charged instead of being buried. Personally, I think HE should have been shot too. And yes, you CAN shoot someone and walk away, if you're being robbed!
hey paul...A BASEBALL BAT IS A WEAPON : 9/26/2009
and mr gallick had a right to defend himself. your boy and the dead boy set out to rob the man, and consequences are consequences. Topriani is right on with the charge, Maybe you boy will learn his lesson.
Sorry paul.... : 9/26/2009
....but a baseball bat is a weapon
Good Job : 9/26/2009
For once the police are actually doing it right. They are finally giving the correct punishments to the correct people. It always seems that the gun owner would be charged no matter what...finally we can protect ourselves in self defense.
Shooting : 9/27/2009
Wow, these parents won't accept the fact their son went to this guy's house to rob him and they are shocked he is in jail? You can't attempt to rob someone and just walk away.
DA: 25-year-old at fault in accomplice's shooting death by would-be victim : 9/27/2009
Washington County District Attorney Steven Toprani thinks he is "THE BOSS OF THE MON VALLEY". Do the job RIGHT TOPRANI!
Understandable : 9/28/2009
No weapon?? The baseball bat was used as a weapon. Let someone come to my home and try to rob me, then use a baseball bat, they will get the same thing!!!
Dear Rick Dailey, : 9/28/2009
...if you honestly in your heart believe that ridiculous statement, you sir are missing a chromosome in your DNA make-up. And for you JJ, you sound like a real moron. I think the DA def did the right thing and he pretty much is the boss when it comes to putting thugs in jail where they belong. Sounds to me like you might be a criminal yourself and seen the DA on a few occasions.
: 10/9/2009
i think he should be charged with robbery not criminal homicide.and no gallick should not be charged at all.
SELF DEFENSE : 10/10/2009
A baseball bat is a weapon. That man was out numbered 2 to 1 and he had no choice. If he hadn't had a gun he and his girlfriend may be the one's dead. It's about time the good guy wins. I'm so sick and tired of these thugs killing innocent people! I feel sorry for the boy who died and his family, but the man who shot is not to blame. For the parents of the boy in jail - maybe your to blame? Why is your son out beating and robbing people? What's wrong with him? Maybe you should look at yourself
Dear Mr. Hauz, : 10/11/2009
While I in no way condone the actions of these boys in choosing to commit armed robbery, I must inform you that "the dead boy" has a name. It is Will Eyles. He has a sister and a father who love him, and I believe that THEY at least deserve the respect of you addressing him by his name.
? : 10/11/2009
I dont think anyone should be charged with Homicide, they were up to no good but the intended target defended himself. The would be robber should be charged with several things but homicide isnt one of them in my opinion at least
