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.
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