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Around Pennsylvania

Fire at York motel probed Judge orders convicted killer's release

YORK -- Authorities say they're investigating a fire that injured two people and prompted the evacuation of dozens from a central Pennsylvania motel as a suspected arson.

David Michaels, acting fire chief of York Fire/Rescue Services, told the York Daily Record that one person is in custody. Fire crews were called at about 9:40 a.m. Saturday to the Rodeway Inn in York. The blaze was reported under control about an hour later.

Michael said two people were taken to a hospital, one for treatment of burns and the other for smoke inhalation.

Red Cross volunteer Barry Oberlander said 58 people were displaced, and some might need places to stay. Officials are investigating whether there were working fire alarms.

PITTSBURGH -- A federal judge who ordered the release of a man convicted of a double murder more than 3½ decades ago has refused to formally dismiss the state charges against him.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Lisa Lenihan said Friday that she "lacks the authority" to dismiss the charges against 60-year-old David Munchinski in the 1977 slayings of 24-year-old James Alford and 28-year-old Raymond Gierke in Bear Rocks, Fayette County.

From our wire services