Additional Charges Filed Against Lower Bucks Stabbing Suspect

LOWER MAKEFIELD TOWNSHIP, PA —The 23-year-old man charged with fatally stabbing his ex-girlfriend earlier this year will stand trial following a preliminary hearing held on Tuesday at the Bucks County Criminal Justice Center, authorities said.

Trevor Christopher Weigel, of Churchville, was charged in February with killing 19-year-old Jaden Battista in the 2500 block of Waterford Road, the Bucks County District Attorney's Office said.

He appeared Tuesday before Magisterial District Judge Corryn L. Kronnagel on charges of criminal homicide, burglary, possession of an instrument of crime, disorderly conduct, and harassment.

Before the hearing, prosecutors amended the case to add charges of criminal attempted kidnapping, unlawful restraint, false imprisonment, and evading arrest or detention on foot.

After hearing testimony from five witnesses, including three law enforcement officers, Kronnagel found enough evidence existed to send all charges against Weigel to the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas.

His formal arraignment was scheduled for May 17.

This investigation by Bucks County Detectives and the Lower Makefield Township Police Department began on Friday, Feb. 16.

At 2:22 p.m. that day, Lower Makefield Police were dispatched to a report of a burglary in progress in the 2500 block of Waterford Road. Officers were informed that the incident was domestic-related.

The investigation revealed the victim had a past relationship with Weigel. When the first police officer arrived, he observed a male, later identified as Weigel, standing next to a red Ford Mustang with the passenger door open.

The officer observed the male chase after a young woman, tackle her to the ground, and repeatedly stab her in the upper portion of her body.

The officer observed the female bleeding heavily from the chest and the male fleeing on foot, toward Interstate 295.

While fleeing, the male began to stab himself on the right side of his neck.

The officer began life-saving measures on the injured female, and she was transported to the hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.

An autopsy was performed on Saturday, Feb. 17, by Dr. Ian Hood, who concluded Battista died of multiple stab wounds to the neck and chest.

Other Lower Makefield police officers took Wiegel into custody. He was transported to the hospital where he underwent surgery for his injuries.

A bloody knife was recovered from the scene.

Through the investigation, police learned that Battista was speaking to a friend through Facetime at 2:15 p.m. when Battista told the friend that Weigel, her ex-boyfriend, arrived at her house unannounced and began banging on the door, attempting to get inside.

While speaking with Battista, the friend heard her say that Weigel was able to get into the house through a first-floor window. The friend heard a commotion, followed by a thump, and then Battista's voice became muffled as if someone was holding their hand over her mouth to prevent her from speaking.

The phone call was terminated, and the friend attempted to call back several times, but the calls went unanswered.