The case against a Unity Township man accused of shooting his son was delayed Monday because the victim is still in the hospital unable to testify.

Francis Poole III is still recovering from a gunshot wound to his stomach. According to police, his father is behind the March 30 attack.

Francis Poole Jr. was charged with attempted homicide, but the degree of that charge depends on what Poole III says.

“The victim was the one who was injured, severely, and I think the judge has a right to hear from the victim. So we’re going to bring the victim in and he’s going to tell us what occurred on that day,” defense attorney Leo Ciaramitaro said.

Francis Poole Jr. did not get the chance to defend himself Monday. His defense attorney, Anthony Bompiani, said he will have to wait until at least June 6 when Poole III is expected to be released from the hospital.

“He wants to move forward and make sure the facts come out and make sure we prove what we want to prove,” Bompiani said.

Family members, including Poole III’s mother, were visually emotional during Monday’s hearing.

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