Area men miss court appearance
Two men charged with aggravated assault for allegedly beating a Connellsville man did not show up for their Monday morning court appearances apparently because they were issued notices to be there belatedly. Fayette County Judge Ralph C. Warman planned to issue bench warrants for William J. Lizza, 62, of Connellsville and Mark Hall, 42, of Scottdale after the two men failed to appear for their pretrial conferences. However, attorney Richard Bower, who represents Lizza, appeared in court before Warman in the afternoon to explain what happened.
District Attorney Nancy D. Vernon agreed that prosecutors only sent notices to appear to the men on Friday, and Warman agreed not to enter the warrants.
Vernon extended offers of nine to 24 months in prison to both men, and Bower indicated that both Lizza and Hall – who is represented by attorney Paul Gettleman, rejected the offers.
The men are charged with beating Ronald “Milo” Flynn at an East Fairview Avenue apartment in Connellsvill last Aug. 25. Police allege that the beating was so severe, that Flynn sustained three skull fractures.
At two preliminary hearings on the matter, District Justice Ronald Haggerty dismissed aggravated assault charges, which were refiled by Assistant District Attorney Mark D. Brooks. Haggery did hold charges of simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, harassment and disorderly conduct over to court.
At a third preliminary hearing on the aggravated assault charges before District Justice Brenda Cavalcante, the charge was held for court against both men.
According to testimony, Lizza and Hall went to Flynn’s residence after he allegedly threatened to do bodily harm to Lizza’s wife, Cindy Lizza.
Flynn was transported to a Pittsburgh hospital for injuries he received during the alleged altercation.
Lizza and Hall remain free on separate ROR bonds.