A 32-year-old Towanda man accused of trying to hire a hit man to kill three psychics will stand trial in Wyoming County Court.
Craven Michael Vaughn did not speak during a preliminary hearing Friday before Magisterial District Judge Carl Smith and mostly kept his head down while two state troopers testified to what happened between Dec. 7 and 20.
Police charged Mr. Vaughn late last month with three counts each of criminal solicitation of criminal homicide, criminal attempt to commit criminal homicide and criminal use of a communication facility. He is accused of trying to hire a hit man, actually an undercover state trooper, to kill three psychic mediums.
According to an affidavit of probable cause filed by state police, they targets of the hits were identified as:
n James Van Praagh, an author and television producer.
n Maureen Hancock, a TV personality credited with a series on the Style Channel.
n David M. Baker, a professional investigator who has written books.
At the preliminary hearing, state Trooper Michael Adams said he was asked to be part of an investigation after Dec. 5 when an unidentified source told troopers at the Towanda barracks that Mr. Vaughn planned to hire a hit man to have three individuals "killed."
Trooper Adams said that a call was recorded Dec. 7 in which the caller indicated he had a $3,000 down payment.
"Did he identify how many individuals were involved?" District Attorney Jeff Mitchell asked.
"Three," Trooper Adams said.
Trooper Christopher B. O'Brien took the stand and said, "Trooper Adams contacted me about being the so-called hit man in this situation."
Trooper O'Brien testified that there was a brief discussion on Dec. 18 and it was decided they would meet at Walmart on Route 29 in Eaton Twp., Wyoming County, on Dec. 20.
At the meeting, Mr. Vaughn indicated he wanted three people killed, Trooper O'Brien said.
Mr. Mitchell asked, "Did he give a reason why?"
"He said they were messing with his business," Trooper O'Brien said.
"What was his business?" Mr. Mitchell asked.
"He said, he could tell me but not then and there," Trooper O'Brien said,
The trooper then noted that the man gave him $3,000 and had $350 more, if needed.
"I said, are you sure you want these people murdered? He said he did, and I said, 'You know once the ball gets rolling, there's no turning back.' "
Judge Smith ruled there was enough evidence to send the case to county court. Mr. Vaughn will be arraigned on March 1 at 8:30 a.m.
Contact the writer: bbaker@wcexaminer.com