Closings slated in case of Charleroi man accused in fatal stabbing
GREENSBURG (AP) – Closing arguments are scheduled Monday in the trial of a man charged in the stabbing death of his father-in-law, whose body was found in an overheated car along a Western Pennsylvania highway.
Prosecutors in Westmoreland County allege that 41-year-old Michael Martin of Charleroi lured 67-year-old Earl Weygandt to Donegal Township in Westmoreland by saying he needed a ride, then got into the sport utility vehicle and stabbed the victim nine times in August 2013.
Martin contends that he acted in self-defense after the older man threatened him with a gun. In a conversation with police that was played for jurors, Martin said “I am not a bad guy.”
Defense attorney Brian Aston said his client killed the victim, but jurors would have to decide whether he intended to do so.