Free Republic

WILKES-BARRE – For the first time in more than 20 years, convicted mass murderer George Banks returned to Luzerne County on Tuesday. Banks, 67, appeared before Judge Joseph Augello for a third competency hearing to determine if he understands he faces the death penalty as a result of his crimes. In September 1982, Banks shot 13 people, including five of his own children, in Wilkes-Barre and Jenkins Township. It’s apparent the former prison guard and Wilkes-Barre resident has aged. Banks no longer has the dark mustache and black hair he had when he originally appeared in court 27 years ago....

Two well-known public defenders asked Luzerne County Judge Joseph Augello to be removed from representing murder suspect Joseph Gacha Jr. Attorney William Ruzzo said he felt his reputation was damaged and Attorney Jonathan Blum said he is "disgusted" with Gacha's comments that they have been working with prosecutors to "fabricate a case against" him. Gacha, 27, is facing the death penalty for alleging killing Carrie Lynn Martin, 20, in her Howard Street, Larksville, apartment during a robbery on May 28, 2004. Prosecutors said Martin was stabbed 47 times. Gacha submitted a letter he wrote and dated March 28 requesting Ruzzo...