It was an emotional day in court Thursday as a murder victim's family came face to face with the suspected killer.
A judge in the Poconos has ordered 29-year-old Philip Vonville of Blakeslee to stand trial for the stabbing death of 18-year-old Christopher Hernandez.
Vonville could face life in prison is convicted of the criminal homicide charges.
The Hernandez family had to hold back tears outside of a magistrate court in Pocono Pines moments after coming face to face with the man accused of killing Christopher Hernandez.
Police said Vonville stabbed Hernandez at Vonville's home in Tunkhannock Township on September 19.
According to investigators, Vonville told police he was in the process of breaking up with his girlfriend when she showed up at the house with Hernandez.
Vonville reportedly said he lost it and stabbed Hernandez in the chest. Then, police said, Vonville turned the knife on himself, slitting his wrists and stabbing himself in the stomach.
Hernandez later died at St. Luke's hospital in Bethlehem.
Vonville survived. He has been charged with criminal homicide. A magistrate judge has now ordered there is enough evidence to send his case to trial in Monroe County.
"I don't know what to feel, I really don't. Besides anger I don't feel anything," said Pedro Hernandez, the vicitm's brother.
Christopher Hernandez's family said they want justice but nothing can replace their loss.
"He was the greatest person you will ever meet. He always wanted to help everyone. He was a great athlete. He didn't deserve this," Pedro Hernandez added.
Philip Vonville is being held in Monroe County jail without bail. If convicted of criminal homicide he could face life in prison.
A judge in the Poconos has ordered 29-year-old Philip Vonville of Blakeslee to stand trial for the stabbing death of 18-year-old Christopher Hernandez.
Vonville could face life in prison is convicted of the criminal homicide charges.
The Hernandez family had to hold back tears outside of a magistrate court in Pocono Pines moments after coming face to face with the man accused of killing Christopher Hernandez.
Police said Vonville stabbed Hernandez at Vonville's home in Tunkhannock Township on September 19.
According to investigators, Vonville told police he was in the process of breaking up with his girlfriend when she showed up at the house with Hernandez.
Vonville reportedly said he lost it and stabbed Hernandez in the chest. Then, police said, Vonville turned the knife on himself, slitting his wrists and stabbing himself in the stomach.
Hernandez later died at St. Luke's hospital in Bethlehem.
Vonville survived. He has been charged with criminal homicide. A magistrate judge has now ordered there is enough evidence to send his case to trial in Monroe County.
"I don't know what to feel, I really don't. Besides anger I don't feel anything," said Pedro Hernandez, the vicitm's brother.
Christopher Hernandez's family said they want justice but nothing can replace their loss.
"He was the greatest person you will ever meet. He always wanted to help everyone. He was a great athlete. He didn't deserve this," Pedro Hernandez added.
Philip Vonville is being held in Monroe County jail without bail. If convicted of criminal homicide he could face life in prison.
