MILFORD -- Eric Frein has now been behind bars longer than he was on the run from police in the Poconos.
The accused terrorist is expected in court on Monday for a hearing in Pike County.
It was quiet in downtown Milford Sunday evening, before the media circus that comes when accused cop killer Eric Frein is brought into the Pike County Courthouse for a preliminary hearing.
The last time Frein set foot in Milford was on Halloween, the day after his capture.
Frein is accused of shooting Trooper Alex Douglass and killing Corporal Bryon Dickson at the Blooming Grove barracks back in September.
David Bellantonio of Milford remembers that day vividly. The former officer has a son who works for the NYPD and is sickened every time he hears Frein`s name.
"These people are protecting us and we get these nuts out here arbitrarily taking people`s lives. It`s a horror," said Bellantonio.
We met Bellantonio inside the Milford Diner, one of several businesses gearing up for the upcoming hearing. The owner said his staff will be ready when everyone comes to town.
Right across the street from the Pike County Courthouse is another business ready for the rush, the Hotel Fauchere.
"There`s a sense of relief the process is underway and hoping it will be a fair and swift justice," said Hotel Fauchere owner Sean Strub.
Strub said because of the manhunt the hotel lost out on a lot of guests that typically come to go hiking in the area.
Now, during a time of the year where things tend to slow down for business, the hotel says it's ramping up for what could be a very long court process.
"There`s no question it's going to be a busy day in Milford with all the people here for the hearing with the national and international media attention that the case has garnered," said Strub.
Newswatch 16 has spoken to Pike County district attorney Ray Tonkin who said Monday`s hearing will include testimony from multiple witnesses. The hearing is scheduled to take place on Monday and Tuesday. However, Tonkin said he only expects the hearing to take one day.
There will be extra security at the courthouse in Milford, just like the last time Frein was there.
Frein`s hearing is slated to take place at 9 a.m. This is the step in the judicial process where the prosecution must prove there is enough evidence to go to trial.
