SUNBURY – A vehicular homicide trial has been postponed because the District Attorney requested a continuance, following the fire at the Northumberland County Prison. Ann Targonski is prosecuting the case, but is also a prison board member, and they are focused on decision-making in the aftermath of the fire. Office staff say the jury trial for 21-year-old Hasan Abuomar of Mount Carmel had been postponed until Thursday, January 29. The trial was set to begin today.
Abuomar is charged with homicide by vehicle and aggravated assault for the death of 18-year-old Marcelle Barber of Mount Carmel. Police say Abuomar grabbed the steering wheel while Barber was driving on Snydertown Road in July of 2013. The vehicle flipped and Barber was pronounced dead at the scene. (Ali Stevens)