Tight Securty For Shooting Suspect’s Court Appearance
ABC27 News
July 27, 2007
By Ali Lanyon
ABC27 News
Police were fearful an ongoing community feud would spill over into the courtroom Friday. Anthony Hodge, 22, is charged with attempted murder. The charges stem from a shooting on July 16th on West North Street in Carlisle.
Police say Hodge fired nine rounds at a neighborhood rival. One of those shots hit 27- year-old Trakia Houdeshell, who was sitting on her front porch. The bullet had to be removed from her head.
“I don’t know who shot Trakia and it’s a real tragedy,” says Hodges attorney Justin McShane. “But it’s not my client.”
Police say a witness came forward that can put the gun in Hodge’s hand. Asmara Vasser, 30, testifed he was the target of those nine shots.
“He hopped out the car,” Vasser testified. “He started shooting at the stars. He’s obsessed with a girl I was messing with, his ex-girlfriend.”
Vasser testified after the shots were fired he turned his car around to come back.
“I don’t have fear,” Vasser said. “I thought he was shooting at the stars, but unfortunately someone got hit.”
Hodge’s attorney points out Asmara Vasser waited three days to go to police. He says that makes his story seem weak.
“He’s absolutely incredible. The most unbelievable statement I’ve ever heard in all my years of being a criminal defense attorney, is that some guy is shooting at him and he makes a U-turn to come back at him and has no gun,” says Attorney McShane.
Because of the fued between Hodge and Vasser, security at the courthouse was extremely tight. The hearing was moved inside the County Courthouse.
“When it becomes evident that there could be potential for interaction between the two different parties, I think there’s a reason to be concerned. It’s better to err on the side of safety than to not,” says Carlisle Mayork Kirk Wilson.
As part of that security, family members were not able to see Hodge before he was transported back to the prison. After the hearing they were visibly upset.
Trakia Houdeshell is out of the hospital and recovering at home. She was ready to testify Friday, but the prosecution never called her as a witness.
Testimonials
Justin McShane works tirelessly on behalf of his clients. His skill and reputation are only outmatched by the effort he puts forth for every client he is privileged to serve. I would highly recommend Mr. McShane to anyone looking to hire a DUI attorney in Pennsylvania.
- Attorney Vincent Tucci, President, California DUI Lawyer’s Association
Attorney Justin McShane is a powerful advocate for his clients. He is always prepared and very successful in the courtroom. His scientific knowledge and preparation is amazing. He knows and understands science and can apply it in a “common sense” approach way that jurors and judges can understand. Without a doubt, Justin McShane is a TRIAL ATTORNEY. He fights hard for all his clients and works tirelessly. If you need a Criminal Defense/ DWI attorney in Justin’s area, there is nobody else that I would hire.
- Attorney Stephen Hamilton, Lubbock TX
Unfortunately, this wasn’t my first time facing DUI charges. I already had a prior conviction and this time I was involved in an accident on my way home from a friend’s party.
Justin McShane is really an excellent attorney. He worked hard for my cause and I can’t express how much I appreciate his hard work and dedication. He got my DUI charges dropped and worked hard to minimize my other charges as well. He always returned my phone calls, which in my experience, is very rare for attorney running a practice as busy as his.
- Anonymous (2nd DUI charge)
more testimonials »
Click here for the Top 10 DUI mistakes (and how to avoid them)
Click here for the Top 10 things NOT to do if you're arrested
Your DUI Attorney Choice By the Numbers
- Number of attorneys in the world
- 1,600,000
- Of those, the number of attorneys in the US
- 1,250,000
- Of those, the number of attorneys in Pennsylvania
- 43,000
- Of those, members of the National Association Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL)
- 204
- Of those, members of the Pennsylvania Association Criminal Defense Lawyers (PACDL)
- 101
- Of those, members of National College for DUI Defense
- 13
(of which we are 4) - Of those, who received training as Instructors in Standard Field Sobriety Testing as recognized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- 5
(of which we are 4) - Of those, who are a Certified Breath Alcohol Test Technician as recognized by the Department of Transportation
- 5
(of which we are 4) - Of those, who received training in Drugs that Impair Driving (Drug Recognition Expert training) as recognized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- 5
(of which we are 4) - Of those, who is certified as a Phlebotomist (drawing and analysis of blood samples)
- 2
(of which Attorney McShane is one) - Of those, who is a 2-time graduate and case presenter at the National Forensic Blood and Urine Seminar?
- 1 – Attorney McShane