Dec 3, 2002 2 min read

GREENSBURG, Pa. (AP) – Prosecutors can use DNA evidence against a man accused of killing an 8-year-old girl and raise allegations that he had a relationship with the girl’s older sister at his trial, a judge ruled Monday. Jury selection for Charles Koschalk, 36, is scheduled to begin in Westmoreland County Court on Tuesday. Judge William Ober ruled that he would try to select a jury in the highly publicized case before deciding whether it should be moved to another jurisdiction.

The trial is scheduled to begin Jan. 6.

Koschalk is accused of shooting Annette Bright and burying her body in a shallow grave near her home in Monessen in July 2001. He told investigators the girl’s death was an accident but prosecutors allege that a sexual relationship between Koschalk and the girl’s 12-year-old sister led him to kill Annette.

Prosecutors say Koschalk wrote letters indicating he was distressed because the older girl was breaking off their relationship.

On Monday, prosecutors said tests confirmed that semen found on clothes Annette Bright was wearing matched that found on pants Koschalk allegedly had on when the girl was shot. Defense attorney James Well argued that the DNA results should not be allowed at trial, saying the girl could have gotten the stains on her clothes simply by being in Koschalk’s home or car earlier that day.

Ober said prosecutors may use the DNA evidence in the trial.

The judge also said evidence that Koschalk had a relationship with the girl’s older sister may be introduced at trial as long as prosecutors don’t describe it as rape or abuse.

Koschalk is charged with rape and other charges involving the older girl and is expected to be tried separately on those allegations.