Published: October 27, 2009 09:00 am      

NEW – Attorney wants to withdraw from double-murder case

HOLLIDAYSBURG — A defense attorney wants to stop representing a troubled Iraq war veteran who faces the possible death penalty on charges he fatally shot two people while robbing a sandwich shop in Altoona.

Defense Attorney David Shrager has asked a Blair County judge to let him withdraw from the case of 29-year-old Nicholas Horner, of Altoona and formerly of Johnstown.

Judge Jolene Kopriva has set a Thursday hearing on Shrager’s request.

Shrager had previously said he might pursue an insanity defense on behalf of Horner, whose family says he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder.

District Attorney Richard Consiglio is pursuing the death penalty in the April 6 robbery of the Subway store in Altoona. Horner allegedly killed a 19-year-old clerk and a bystander while taking about $130.

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Information from: Altoona Mirror