Pocono News Section

Protesters Delay Shenandoah Beating Death Hearing

Protesters Delay Shenandoah Beating Death Hearing - Monday, August 18, 2008 at 11:30AM EST

Reported by: Eyewitness News
Monday, Aug 18, 2008 @ 11:30am EST
POTTSVILLE, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY- Dozens of protesters gathered outside the Schuylkill County Courthouse as three teens were having their preliminary hearing inside for the beating death of a Mexican man.

Two of the teens, Colin Walsh and Brandon Piekarsky, are charged with homicide in the death of 25-year-old Luis Ramirez, an illegal immigrant from Mexico. A third teen, Derrick Donchak, is charged with assault. A fourth teen will have his case in heard in juvenile court.

The judge in this hearing will decide whether there is enough evidence for the three to head to trial.

First thing this morning, the protesters outside were so loud that testimony could not be heard inside. The judge delayed the hearing until they could quiet the noise. It resumed by late morning.

The hearing was originally supposed to be held in Shenandoah but was moved to the County Courthouse in Pottsville for security reasons.

We'll have the latest as it happens this afternoon.