Francis held for trial on numerous charges

By KRISTIE LINDEN

klinden@yourmvi.com

The man accused of shooting a McKeesport police officer in December was ordered Friday to stand trial on nearly every charge he faces.

Koby Lee Francis, 22, of McKeesport was held for trial on charges of attempted homicide, assault of a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault, flight to avoid apprehension, escape, two counts of carrying a firearm without a license and two counts of illegal possession of a firearm. 

One count of illegal possession of a firearm was withdrawn by the district attorney.

Francis remains housed in Allegheny County Jail and has been denied bail. He was found and arrested in West Virginia nine days after the shooting, and Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Edward J. Borkowski said last month there were no bail conditions that could guarantee Francis would appear for a trial.

Francis is accused of shooting Officer Gerasimos “Jerry” Athans, 32, three times Dec. 20. 

Francis had several interactions with McKeesport police that Sunday, beginning at 3 p.m. when he arrived at the police station and was served with a Protection from Abuse order meant to keep him from having any contact with his 4-month-old son or the child’s mother. 

He was also supposed to turn over all firearms.

About 20 minutes later, police were called to Harrison Village because a relative who was babysitting reported Francis was trying to take the baby from the apartment. Francis was gone before police arrived.

About 40 minutes after that, police were called to Yester Square for a reported PFA violation and found Francis seated in a vehicle outside of a residence there. Francis was allegedly combative at the time of his arrest, according to police, who recovered a firearm from the passenger side of the vehicle.

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