The Churchville man accused of stabbing to death his Lower Makefield ex-girlfriend will now stand trial at the Bucks County Criminal Justice Center with additional charges added by prosecutors Tuesday.
Trevor Christopher Weigel, 23, was charged earlier this year with killing 19-year-old Jaden Battista in the 2500 block of Waterford Road in Lower Makefield Township.
Weigel appeared, Tuesday, April 16, before Judge Corryn L. Kronnagel on the original charges of criminal homicide, burglary, possession of an instrument of crime, disorderly conduct, and harassment. Prior to the hearing, prosecutors amended the case adding charges of criminal attempted kidnapping, unlawful restraint, false imprisonment, and evading arrest or detention on foot, Bucks County authorities said
Five witnesses, including three law enforcement officers, testified at the preliminary hearing. After hearing the witnesses’ testimony, Judge Kronnagel found sufficient evidence existed for the charges to be sent to the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas, the DA office said.
The Investigation:
Two months ago, from the day, February 16, began this investigation by Bucks County Detectives and the Lower Makefield Township Police Department.
At 2:22 p.m. that day, Lower Makefield Police were dispatched to a report of a domestic-related burglary in progress in the 2500 block of Waterford Road.. The investigation revealed the victim had a past relationship with Weigel, according to the probable cause .
When the first police officer arrived, he observed a male, later identified as Weigel, standing next to a red Ford Mustang with the passenger door open. The officer observed the male chase after a young woman, tackle her to the ground and repeatedly stab her in the upper portion of her body, the criminal complaint alleges.
The officer observed the female bleeding heavily from the chest and the male fleeing on foot, toward Interstate 295. While fleeing, the male began to stab himself on the right side of his neck.
The officer began life-saving measures on the injured female, and she was transported to the hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. An autopsy was performed on Saturday, Feb. 17, by Dr. Ian Hood, who concluded Battista died of multiple stab wounds to the neck and chest.
Other Lower Makefield police officers took Wiegel into custody. He was transported to the hospital where he underwent surgery for his injuries. A bloody knife was recovered from the scene, investigators said..
Through the investigation, police, according to court records, learned that Battista was speaking to a friend through Facetime at 2:15 p.m. when Battista told the friend that Weigel, her ex-boyfriend, arrived at her house unannounced and began banging on the door, attempting to get inside.
While speaking with Battista, the friend heard her say that Weigel was able to break into the house through a first-floor window. The friend heard a commotion, followed by a thump, and then Battista’s voice became muffled as if someone was holding their hand over her mouth to prevent her from speaking, according to court records.
The phone call was terminated, and the friend attempted to call back several times, but the calls went unanswered, said police.
Detectives with the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office and Lower Makefield Township Police Department investigated.
Weigel’s formal arraignment is scheduled for May 17 in Doylestown. He remains in Bucks County Correctional Facility.
Credit: Submitted
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