Fayette County man allegedly plotted to kill his brother
A Fayette County man charged with allegedly trying to kill his brother at a location in German Township late Thursday had allegedly elaborately plotted and planned his sibling’s death. State police said Joseph Belan, 40, no address available, was charged Friday before Magisterial District Judge Randy S. Abraham with criminal attempt homicide, aggravated assault, robbery, burglary, unlawful restraint, terroristic threats, theft and two counts of simple assault.
According to Trooper Daniel R. Barnhart, Belan allegedly attacked his brother, Lawrence Belan II, 44, of German Township, at his home on Dorthea Avenue Thursday where he intended to kill him and assume his identity.
In his criminal complaint, Barnhart said the incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. when Lawrence Belan returned to his home from work and was walking down a hallway when his brother jumped him.
Barnhart said Joseph Belan knocked his brother to the ground and then threatened his life while wielding a claw hammer and a large kitchen knife.
Joseph Belan then repeatedly struck his brother with the hammer and the handle of the knife, Barnhart said.
After talking to Joseph Belan, Lawrence Belan was able to convince his brother to let him up from the floor and the two proceeded to the living room where Joseph Belan sat in a stool blocking the exit and holding the weapons.
“I’m in a bind and need money. You must help me or you may die,” Joseph Belan allegedly told his brother, Barnhart said.
After Lawrence Belan continued to try and reason with his brother, Joseph Belan allegedly told Lawrence Belan that he had plotted his death and had laid a tarp out in a back bedroom where he had planned on attacking him.
Joseph Belan told his brother that he had lain in wait inside the home for about four hours after breaking in around 4:30 p.m., Barnhart said.
Barnhart said Joseph Belan then retrieved the tarp from the bedroom to show his brother as well as a hatchet and allegedly told him that he had planned to assume his identity after murdering him.
At that point, Lawrence Belan gave his brother a credit card, Barnhart said. He then fled the home.
Joseph Belan was placed in the Fayette County Prison on $25,000 straight cash bond. A preliminary hearing will be held at a later date before Abraham.