Cosmo DiNardo and Sean Kratz.
Accused murderers Cosmo DiNardo and Sean Kratz will have their day in court Thursday in Doylestown during a scheduled preliminary hearing of the state’s case against the infamous duo.
They collectively face dozens of counts of murder, robbery, and corpse abuse in the deaths of Dean Finocchiaro, 19, of Middletown, Thomas Meo, 21, of Plumstead, and Mark Strurgis, 22, of Pennsburg.
The complaint alleges that DiNardo and cousin Kratz led the young men to an 80-acre farm in Solebury Township owned by DiNardo’s parents on July 7 to buy weed, then shot them and buried the bodies in a single, deep grave. DiNardo is additionally charged with killing a fourth man, Jimi Taro Patrick, 19, of Newtown Township.
Notably, court records indicate that Kratz, 20, of Northeast Philadelphia, has changed attorneys in recent days. Well-known Bucks County criminal lawyers Niels Erikson and Craig Penglase are now in charge of Kratz’ defense, taking over from attorney Abby Silverman Leeds, a court source confirmed.
During Thursday’s preliminary hearing, prosecutors will attempt to demonstrate that the commonwealth has gathered sufficient evidence to create probable cause for a trial. If seasoned district judge Maggie Snow finds the case against DiNardo and Kratz compelling, she will pass it on to the court of common pleas, and set a date for arraignment under a new judge to be determined.
Thursday’s court appearance by DiNardo and Kratz takes place at the Justice Center in Doylestown, rather than district court on Durham Road. The case continues to draw intense interest from family and friends of the victims, and members of the news media. The Justice Center affords more room and better security, reason court officials. Cameras are not allowed in the courtroom, and the accused are expected to be kept out of view during their transit to and from court.
DiNardo, 20, of Bensalem, faces four counts of criminal homicide, four counts of conspiracy – criminal homicide, three counts of robbery – inflict serious bodily injury, three counts of conspiracy to rob – inflict serious bodily injury, four counts of abuse of corpse, four counts of conspiracy – abuse of corpse, possessing an instrument of crime with intent to use, possessing a weapon, theft by unlawful taking-movable, and receiving stolen property.
Kratz is up against three counts of criminal homicide, three counts of conspiracy – criminal homicide, three counts of robbery – inflict serious bodily injury, three counts of conspiracy to rob – inflict serious bodily injury, three counts of abuse of corpse, three counts of conspiracy – abuse of corpse, possessing an instrument of crime with intent to use, and possessing a weapon.
They should both be put to death. Kill them!