Published: June 24, 2009 09:58 am      

Monroe County man charged in 2004 meat cleaver killing

STROUDSBURG — A northeastern Pennsylvania man who has acknowledged killing a man with a meat cleaver in 2004 is now charged with criminal homicide.

He is 66-year-old Robert Giardini of Pocono Township, Monroe County, who maintains he killed in self defense.

Giardini has told police that 30-year-old Kevin Walker of Paterson, N.J., came to his home in April 2004, claiming to have car trouble, and asked to use the phone. He said he used the cleaver after Walker became violent.

Authorities say a long investigation into Giardini’s account contributed to the delay. He was arrested without incident on Monday and held without bail. It was unclear if he had a lawyer.

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Information from: Pocono Record, http://www.poconorecord.com/