Tabloid headlines dub it the "thrill kill": the young couple who recently moved to Central Pennsylvania, accused of luring a man through an ad on Craigslist, then stabbing him to death, just so they could kill someone together.
Miranda Barbour's preliminary hearing was first, and after she left the Northumberland County Courthouse, her husband Elyette Barbour was brought inside. The judge found there is enough evidence for the two to stand trial on charges they killed a man.
Miranda Barbour did not say anything as she was brought into the Northumberland County Courthouse. After her hearing, her husband Elyette Barbour was taken into the courthouse in Sunbury for his hearing.
The couple is charged with homicide and robbery for last month's stabbing death of Troy LaFerrara of Port Trevorton.
Police said the Barbours met LaFerrara through the website Craigslist, and killed him on November 11th because they wanted to murder someone together. Miranda Barbour maintains she stabbed LaFerrara in self-defense, but police said earlier this month, Elyette Barbour gave them a full confession. He told investigators he was hiding under a blanket in the back seat of the couple's car. When the signal was given, he choked LaFerrara with a cord while his wife stabbed him repeatedly.
Later that night, the two were seen on surveillance video at a Walmart near Selinsgrove. Elyette Barbour was seen buying cleaning supplies.
Miranda Barbour's attorney brought up the issue of spousal privilege, but Northumberland County District Attorney Tony Rosini does not think that will be an issue in this case.
"The spousal privilege has to do with confidential communications between spouses, but it does not include observations. That is, if one spouse sees another person do something, that is not privileged in a homicide case," Rosini said.
Rosini said the alleged "thrill killers" could face the death penalty.
"We will review the case to determine if there are aggravating circumstances present. If we find there is sufficient evidence of aggravating circumstances, we will file a notice for the death penalty," Rosini said.
Troy LaFerrara's family was at both preliminary hearings, but did not speak to reporters. No trial dates have been set, and it has not been determined if the Barbours will be tried together.