Justo Smoker, the man already charged with kidnapping missing Amish teenager Linda Stoltzfoos last June, will be tried in Lancaster County Court for her death.
Smoker was held for court following a preliminary hearing Friday before a district judge at the county courthouse.
While the 18-year-old woman has not been found, prosecutors donât need a body to charge someone with homicide. Stoltzfoos disappeared June 21 while walking from church to her parentsâ Upper Leacock Township home.
In a preliminary hearing, prosecutors must present sufficient evidence that a crime was committed and that the defendant probably is responsible and, therefore, that a jury or judge should hear the case at the county court level.