McAndrew Denied Trial Delay in Alleged Sword Murders

As Patch previously reported, Joseph C. McAndrew Jr., 25, of Upper Merion reportedly killed his own mother, father and brother, and now is awaiting trail for charges of first- and third-degree murder, according to court documents. To pay for his defense, he requested a trial extension so that he may gain access to his mother's $1 million estate.

According to the Pottstown Mercury, that request for a stay of the criminal proceedings has been denied by Montgomery County Judge Gary S. Silow.

"First Assistant District Attorney Kevin R. Steele and co-prosecutor Nathan J. Schadler fought the trial delay request claiming the request was a 'proposed intrusion' by [lawyer Joseph J.] Hylan, and if granted 'would set a disastrous precedent,'" said the article. "Prosecutors maintained Hylan is a third-party who has 'no standing' to ask for a delay in the criminal proceedings."

The delay was requested due to the plea for McAndrews to access his mother's estate in order to pay for defesnse. 

"Under Pennsylvania’s so-called Slayer’s Act, a killer cannot in any way acquire property or receive any benefit as a result of the victim’s death," said the Mercury report. "But Hylan maintained McAndrew 'is being denied his inheritance without having been determined to be the slayer.'"

The judge did not agree, denying the extension.

As Patch reported previously, McAndrew will be held in the Regional Forensic Psychiatric Center at the Norristown State Hospital, as he has been for months.

For the full Mercury story, visit this link.