Pocono News Section

Selenski Case Moves Closer to Trial

Selenski Case Moves Closer to Trial - Friday, February 5, 2010 at 12:46PM EST

Reported by: Mark Hiller
Friday, Feb 5, 2010 @ 12:46pm EST
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY - Accused Luzerne County double murderer Hugo Selenski appeared in court, Friday.
He and both sides in the case were there for a pre-trial hearing.

"I don't even know what it's about to tell you the truth. I think it's a status conference, so I really don't know. I don't know what to expect," said Selenski as he arrived in court.
Judge William Amesbury ended up setting a tentative timetable to move the case forward.
The plan is to put Selenski on trial in late April for a crime the prosecution says he committed nearly 8-years earlier.

The remains of Michael Kerkowski and Tammy Fassett were found buried at Selenski's Kingston Township property a year after the couple was murdered. Selenski was charged with the killings in 2006, but a series of appeals and 2 other trials stalled this case. He was acquitted in 2006 of killing Frank James and Adeiye Keiler in Luzerne County.
And just last year, he was convicted of kidnapping and robbery in Monroe county.

Selenski is eager to see this latest trial finally begin.
"It's been a long time. I'm ready. Yeah, I'm definitely ready," said Selenski.
So are members of the victims' families including Michael Kerkowski's mother and Tammy Fassett's niece who attended the pre-trial hearing..
But they along with the prosecution and defense aren't talking because of a judge's gag order.
Meanwhile, Judge Amesbury told both sides his sister taught Selenski in the Dallas School District.
Selenski doesn't see that as a conflict of interest.
"I know his sister. She was my teacher. She was a great lady. I don't see any problems. I mean, I wouldn't anticipate any. I'm sure he (Amesbury) could be fair."

The next time both sides in the Selenski case will appear in court is February 16 for a pre-trial conference as this case slowly but surely moves toward a trial date.
District Attorney Jackie Musto Carroll says Selenski must be brought to trial by May 7.
She plans on seeking first degree murder convictions and the death penalty in the case.