A preliminary hearing is set for Nov. 28 in front of Ms. Correal. Crane Trial III begins today The third trial of a Harrisburg man accused of assaulting two West Shore men in the Sierra Madre Saloon parking lot about a year ago began today. This incident took place after Crane's friend, Chris Bennett, became involved in a fight with Hunter outside the establishment. Crane says Hunter and his friends yelled racial remarks, and Hunter charged Crane in the parking lot. Crane says he used a knife in self-defense because he is disabled, and Hunter and his friends had just beaten up Bennett.
Prosecutors say race had nothing to do with the incident.
One change in this trial is President Judge George Hoffer will preside over the court proceeding. Judge Kevin Hess oversaw the prior two trials. Hess had indicated before the second trial he would rather not hear the case again. There are reports he reiterated that stance at a meeting in chambers with the attorneys prior to the third pre-trial conference in October. Crane remains free on bond.