Pennsylvania Daybook

Orchestra musicians on strike in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh

HOLLIDAYSBURG, Pa. (AP) — A judge will decide whether a hearing with testimony is warranted on the appeal of a man convicted in the slaying of an elderly Pennsylvania couple almost a decade and a half ago. Thirty-five-year-old William Thompson is serving two life sentences following his conviction in Blair County in the March 2002 stabbing deaths of 83-year-old Raymond Bracken and his 81-year-old wife, Marjorie. The (Altoona) Mirror (http://bit.ly/2cJ4Vjo ) reports that Thompson appeared in court Thursday for review of a long list of appeal items. Defense attorney Matthew Dombrosky is alleging ineffective representation by Thompson's trial attorney, for example on blood evidence found at the Altoona home. District Attorney Richard Consiglio said many of the matters were considered previously or addressed during trial, and he argued that no hearing is needed. ___ Information from: Altoona Mirror, http://www.altoonamirror.com

Judge to decide on hearing in appeal in 2002 double murder