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http://www.centredaily.com/mld/centreda ... 317323.htm
Posted on Sat, Dec. 03, 2005
News in brief from western Pennsylvania
Associated Press
HOLLIDAYSBURG, Pa. - A man accused of shooting and killing three men at a private night club will face the death penalty if he is convicted.
Blair County prosecutors told a judge of the decision Friday during the arraignment for Miguel Padilla, 25, of Gallitzin, who pleaded not guilty.
Padilla is accused of shooting and killing three men on Aug. 28 in Altoona outside a private club.
During a preliminary hearing in the case in October,a brother of one of the victims attempted to attack Padilla. Friday's arraignment was heavily guarded and Padilla wore a bulletproof vest.
Without any announcement, the proceeding was also moved to a different courtroom and began an hour early.
The time and location were changed unexpectedly, Judge Elizabeth Doyle said from the bench, because of "information the courts received as to certain threats to the security of this proceeding."
http://www.altoonamirror.com/articles.asp?ID=14775
Prosecutors seek death for Padilla
By Phil Ray
HOLLIDAYSBURG - Amid an atmosphere of tumult and controversy, prosecutors announced Friday that they will seek the death penalty for a Gallitzin man charged with killing three Altoona-area residents at the UVA Club on Union Avenue.
Miguel A. Padilla pleaded innocent to charges of criminal homicide, aggravated assault, illegal possession of a firearm and recklessly endangering another person.
Court proceedings took only 10 minutes, but nerves were on edge before the hearing.
For details, please see Page A1 in the December 3 edition of the Altoona Mirror.
Section: NEWS Post Date:Friday, December 02, 2005