Shane A. Sigman
Shane A. Sigman is headed to trial for allegedly killing his girlfriend last summer by pushing her down a flight of stairs, a judge ordered Wednesday morning.
District Judge Stuart Mylin ordered Sigman to be tried on counts of homicide and simple assault after the defendant waived a preliminary hearing.
Sigman, 33, is charged with killing 42-year-old Virginia Cole on Aug. 2 inside the couple's New Providence home.
The couple argued after Cole's 12-year-old daughter refused to eat her dinner, according to charging documents.
The girl told a neighbor that Sigman had kicked her in the mouth and pushed her mother down the steps, an arrest affidavit shows.
An autopsy showed Cole died of "complications of traumatic injuries to the head and neck."
Police allege alcohol was involved in the altercation.
On Wednesday morning, relatives and supporters of both sides gathered at Mylin's small court office in Quarryville, in anticipation of a hearing. Two local emergency-responders that were dispatched to the home that day were prepared to testify.
After talking with attorneys Robert Reese and David Lewis, Sigman agreed to waive the hearing.
Sigman's family watched as he was escorted into the courtroom by a pair of state constables to sign paperwork. He was then taken back to Lancaster County Prison, where he is being held without bail.
Assistant District Attorney Christine Wilson, lead prosecutor, also was in the courtroom.
By waiving the prelim, Sigman doesn't admit guilt, but concedes there is enough evidence to warrant charges.
A trial is likely next year, unless a plea is lodged.
