Allentown man declines to attend preliminary hearing on homicide charges

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An Allentown man accused of homicide was to have his preliminary hearing Wednesday, an opportunity to determine whether enough evidence existed for the matter to proceed to trial.

But when the time came, the 29-year-old, Lafayette "Law" Upshaw, was nowhere to be found.

Upshaw is accused of fatally shooting 10-year-old Anthony "Any" Santiago in the torso on March 7 in the 600 block of West Tilghman Street.

Upshaw remains incarcerated without bail, but he declined to appear at his own preliminary hearing, a rarity when it comes to any such hearing, let alone in a homicide case.

"Whatever the reason is, that's between him and his attorney," said First Assistant District Attorney Steven Luksa, who said he could not recall such an instance happening before.

A brief hearing proceeded without Upshaw, and District Judge Robert Halal found there was sufficient evidence for the case to go to trial, Luksa said.

A phone message to Upshaw's attorney, James Nechin, was not returned.

Upshaw is accused of shooting Santiago while the victim was standing along the street talking with Tyquan "Tight" Lloyd, 20, and an unidentified man, who is known as Angel Lopez and "Trouble," police said.

Lloyd was shot in the left foot and the unidentified man, although not injured, was directly in the line of fire, police previously said.

Upshaw faces charges of homicide, attempted criminal homicide, aggravated assault, and recklessly endangering another person, according to court documents.

Contact Allentown reporter Colin McEvoy at 484-894-2549 or cmcevoy@express-times.com.

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How to Get Away With Murder

An educational film on how to get away with murder that will take you through an unsolvable / unprosecutable homicide in four easy steps. Thanks to the King County Prosecuting Attorney's office for their kind assistance.

Video Rating: 4 / 5



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