web1_WB-City-logo.jpg

Wilkes-Barre to make another attempt at reimbursement for storm cleanup costs

web1_Dankos2.jpg

Danko’s All American Fitness opens second location in the Back Mountain

<p>BUTLER TWP. &#8212; A man accused of assaulting a woman who later died is now headed to higher court on simple assault charges.</p><p>Court documents indicate Barry Morgan Thomas, 58, Drums, had a preliminary hearing scheduled before District Judge Daniel O&#8217;Donnell on Monday.</p><p>A single charge of simple assault was sent to county court, while counts of aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person, and harassment were withdrawn.</p><p>Thomas&#8217; bail, initially set at $1 million, was reduced to $25,000 per an agreement.</p><p>Luzerne County District Attorney Stefanie Salavantis could not provide an update on the investigation, but said the simple assault charge was appropriate.</p><p>Thomas allegedly shoved Jennifer Niccoll, 44, of Drums, and injured her leg March 3.</p><p>Niccoll arrived at Lehigh Valley Hospital &#8212; Hazleton at 10:30 a.m. March 4 and was listed in critical condition. She was transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital near Allentown, where she was pronounced dead later March 4.</p><p>Police said an X-ray on her left leg indicated her femur was broken.</p><p>Andrew Kehm, chief deputy coroner for the Lehigh County Coroner&#8217;s Office, said previously the cause and manner of death are pending toxicology results.</p><p>Officials at the Lehigh coroner&#8217;s office told a reporter Tuesday that Niccoll&#8217;s death is still under investigation.</p><style>
.neFileBlock {
	margin-bottom: 20px;
}
.neFileBlock p {
	margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px;
}
.neFileBlock .neFile {
	border-bottom: 1px dotted #aaa;
	padding-bottom: 5px;
	padding-top: 10px;
}
.neFileBlock .neCaption {
	font-size: 85%;
}
</style>
<div class='neFileBlock'>
<div class="neFile"><img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_Thomas.jpg">
<div class="neCaption"></div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo0>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_Thomas.jpg</photo0><caption0></caption0><photoCredit0></photoCredit0></div></div>
<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta><p>By Travis Kellar</p><p>tkellar@www.timesleader.com</p></bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta><p>Reach Travis Kellar at 570-991-6389 or on Twitter @TLNews</p></shirttailMeta></div>

Man accused of assaulting woman waives simple assault charge to county court