Charges held for trial in assault case against Wilkinsburg shooting survivor

PITTSBURGH — Charges against LaMont Powell, one of the surviving victims of a mass shooting in Wilkinsburg, for an assault in Pittsburgh’s Marshall-Shadeland neighborhood were held for trial Thursday.

Despite the alleged victim of the assault not showing up for the hearing, a judge held the charges against Powell.

“One of those rights is to confront those witnesses who testify and accuse you, but we had no opportunity,” Frank Walker, Powell's attorney, said.

Instead of the alleged victim, a Pittsburgh police detective took the stand, telling the judge that Powell brutally assaulted Daniel Coates during a domestic dispute last December. The detective said Coates suffered a broken bone when he was hit in the head with a gun.

“I still maintain his rights were violated under the PA constitution and U.S. constitution. He had a right to confront his witnesses. You can't cross examine someone who isn't here,” Walker said.

Thursday marked the third time Coates failed to show up for court.

Police said the incident started as an argument between Powell's sister, Chanetta Powell, and Coates.

Chanetta Powell and her unborn child were killed, along with four other adults, in March when a cookout in Wilkinsburg was ambushed. LaMont Powell, who Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala said was the primary target, was wounded, but survived.

Prosecutors said the assault involving Coates has no connection to the shooting.

Cox Media Group