LANCASTER — A central Pennsylvania man convicted of the rape and murder of a young mother more than two decades ago has once again changed his mind about being executed and has decided that he wants to continue his appeals.
Orlando Baez, 48, has been on death row since he was convicted of stabbing, beating and strangling 22-year-old Janice “Sissy” Williams in January 1987. He has always maintained that another man was responsible, but in the fall said he was in poor health and tired of the legal process and prison and wanted to be put to death.
Defense attorneys suggested that his decisions could have been affected by the autoimmune disorder lupus and pain medication, but Baez said he was of sound mind and didn’t want to fight the case any more.
On Friday, however, he said he had changed his mind and wanted to continue his appeals.
In 2008, Baez also asked to be executed but later changed his mind.
Lancaster police said Baez stabbed Williams more than
100 times before walking out, leaving her two small children alone in the apartment with their mother’s mutilated body. The crime was discovered when drivers saw the children standing outside in their pajamas and called police.
Couple’s death ruled murder-suicide
ALIQUIPPA – Authorities have ruled the shooting deaths of an elderly couple a murder-suicide.
Police in Beaver County say a nurse found the bodies of Harold and Eileen Carl in their Center Township home on Friday morning. Police say the woman’s body was found in bed and the man was in a front room with a gun in his hand.
County Coroner Teri Tatalovich-Rossi says the two 82-year-olds died of gunshot wounds to the head. She ruled Eileen Carl’s death a homicide and Harold Carl’s a suicide.
Officer dragged while trying to stop SUV
PHILADELPHIA – A Philadelphia police officer was injured trying to stop the driver of a sport utility vehicle belonging to a suburban man found dead in his living room.
Upper Merion Township police say the body of 68-year-old Richard Porter was found in his home Friday with multiple wounds on his face and neck.
Officers later spotted his SUV and 38-year-old Officer Christopher Brennan opened the door to try to take the driver out of the car, but officials say the driver sped off.
Brennan held on and was dragged for about a block until the driver struck a pickup.
Brennan was taken to Temple University Hospital with pain in his neck, back and side. Police said the 24-year-old suspect was also taken to the hospital with head injuries. Police declined comment on what kind of charges he might face.
Luzerne County man dies in fire
KINGSTON – Authorities in northeastern Pennsylvania say an elderly man died in an accidental fire early Saturday.
Members of the Kingston Borough Fire Department in Luzerne County found the body of 71-year-old John Vitcosky when they were called to a home in the borough shortly after 1 a.m. Saturday.
Officials said the victim’s body was found on the second floor of the residence.
State police said the fire marshal had determined that the blaze was accidental but gave no further details.
