Defense Claims Death Was Accident in Wilkes-Barre Homicide Case

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — Attorney John B. Pike is fighting to discredit a criminal homicide charge against Louis Weihbrecht, who is accused of intentionally killing Mark Svadeba. The incident occurred on September 13, 2024, and Weihbrecht faces serious allegations from District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce.

Pike argued at a motions hearing on Tuesday that Svadeba’s death was simply an accident. Weihbrecht, 56, owns the Outsiders Bar in Wilkes-Barre and has been charged by Plains Township Police. Prosecutors allege that Weihbrecht deliberately used his 2007 Chevrolet Silverado truck to run over Svadeba, who was standing next to his Harley-Davidson motorcycle outside an auto-repair garage.

According to court records, Weinbrecht and Svadeba had an argument before the incident occurred. The charges state that Weihbrecht intentionally struck Svadeba, dragging him nearly 30 feet. This dispute reportedly stemmed from issues related to a woman.

Following Weihbrecht’s arrest on September 16, 2024, Sanguedolce held a news conference revealing the homicide charge, citing evidence that suggested Weihbrecht had intent to kill. During the motions hearing, Pike used statistics from Pennsylvania and Luzerne County, noting that similar pedestrian fatalities did not typically classify as criminal homicide.

Pike contended that the incident was an accident, stating, “This was a motor vehicle accident versus a pedestrian, that’s all this is.” However, Assistant District Attorney James L. McMonagle countered by presenting surveillance footage showing the men arguing before Weihbrecht accelerated towards Svadeba.

McMonagle also remarked that the area was well-lit, contradicting Pike’s claims. The defense argued that Weihbrecht only intended to hit Svadeba’s motorcycle when the latter walked in front of the truck. Other points of contention during the hearing included requests to limit expert testimony and designate Svadeba as a “victim” during the trial.

Judge Joseph F. Sklarosky Jr. will release his rulings at a later date. Weihbrecht is currently jailed without bail, and his trial is anticipated to occur in September.