Accused murder receives month to decide on offer
Mark D. Edwards Jr., accused of killing four people last April, has another month to decide if he will accept or reject a general plea to first-degree murder. Public Defender Jeffrey Whiteko asked for the delay Monday during Edwards’ pretrial hearing in Fayette County Court.
Whiteko said he needed time to file motions in Edwards’ case.
The 19-year-old Uniontown man is accused in the shooting deaths of Larry Bobish Sr., 50; his wife, Joanna Bobish, 42; their daughter, Krystal Bobish, 17; and her unborn son.
State police alleged Edwards killed them to cover up the theft of drugs from Larry Bobish Sr.
Larry Bobish Jr., the couple’s son, was allegedly shot and stabbed by Edwards, but survived the attack.
He testified during a preliminary hearing that Edwards stabbed him and killed the other members of his family.
He said Edwards had been friends with his sister and other family members.
State police testified that Edwards admitted killing the Bobishes when he was arrested.
After Edwards allegedly shot the Bobishes, police claim he set their Kennedy Street Extension, North Union Township, home on fire.
Larry Jr. escaped the blaze and an off-duty state police officer found him and called for help.
Edwards, incarcerated in the county prison since his arrest, is faced with the death penalty if convicted of first-degree murder.
District Attorney Nancy D. Vernon said his case may go to trial as soon as January.