Charges dismissed against New Kensington landlord accused of strangling tenant
Westmoreland County prosecutors have decided not to proceed with a case against a New Kensington landlord who was accused of strangling and slapping a woman during a dispute over when she would move out of his rental unit.
Terrance Joel Martin Jr., 57, of Harrison was charged Aug. 10 with felony strangulation and a count of simple assault by New Kensington Police.
He waived his right to a preliminary hearing Sept. 7 before District Judge Frank J. Pallone Jr., who ordered him to stand trial in Westmoreland County Court.
On Sept. 14 the district attorney’s office filed a “nolle prossed” in Westmoreland County Court, which is a formal declaration that it will not proceed with the case, according to court documents.
Tony LaRussa is a TribLive reporter. A Pittsburgh native, he covers crime and courts in the Alle-Kiski Valley. He can be reached at tlarussa@triblive.com.
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