Hugo Selenski's oft-delayed double-murder trial, which prosecutors and defense attorneys thought would finally get underway June 24, has been postponed until Aug. 5.
Luzerne County Judge Fred A. Pierantoni revealed the delay at a pretrial conference Thursday, but said this time the date is set in stone, "barring anything extraordinary."
"I can assure you, I am going to bring this case to trial," Judge Pierantoni insisted.
Judge Pierantoni said he, not the defense team or prosecutors, opted for the delay to ensure all pre-trial matters are complete and attorneys have exchanged the necessary discovery documents as required by law.
Mr. Selenski entered court confident the trial would begin in a few weeks and told reporters he was "ready to get started." Leaving court, that optimism gave way to dismay.
"This is highly unexpected," Mr. Selenski, 39, said as sheriff's deputies led him out of the Luzerne County Courthouse. "I don't think even the DA or my attorneys know what happened."
Today marks 10 years and two days since investigators discovered the remains of pharmacist Michael Kerkowski and Mr. Kerkowski's girlfriend, Tammy Fassett, buried in the backyard of Mr. Selenski's Kingston Twp. home. Prosecutors said Mr. Selenski strangled Mr. Kerkowski and Ms. Fassett with plastic flex ties in May 2002.
Multiple defense and prosecution appeals to higher courts, which take months to resolve, led to the 10 years of delay, the judge said. Judge Pierantoni noted he has issued 54 Selenski-related orders in his 18 months presiding over the case.
MICHAEL R. SISAK, staff writer, contributed to his report.
Contact the writer: bkalinowski@citizensvoice.com