There’s been yet another delay in the murder trial of 33-year-old Ray Shetler Jr., the New Florence man accused of shooting to death Saint Clair Township Police Officer Lloyd Reed Jr. in November of 2015.
Westmoreland County Judge Meagan Bilik-Defazio has rescheduled an Omnibus Pre-Trial Motions Hearing from this Thursday to February 27th.
Shetler is charged with first degree murder, third degree murder, and criminal homicide in Reed’s killing, which occurred after Reed was summoned for a domestic disturbance at the home of Shetler’s girlfriend on Ligonier Street in New Florence. As Reed approached the home, Shetler emerged from inside armed with a shotgun and the two exchanged gunfire. The fatal shot hit the officer underneath his bulletproof vest.
Westmoreland County D.A. John Peck is seeking the death penalty. Defense attorney Marc Daffner has filed motions asking the judge dismiss both of the murder offenses, to dismiss evidence, and to allow for additional discovery and access to records.
Shetler’s trial was originally scheduled for October 3rd, was rescheduled for January 3rd and then January 9th. A new trial date has yet to be scheduled.
