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Trial Begins For 3 Accused of Murdering Fellow Fan After Phillies' Game

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - After indications that the three defendants might plead guilty, a trial began today for three men accused of beating a Landsdale man to death outside Citizen's Bank Park in 2009.

The defendents -- Charles Bowers, James Groves, and Francis Kirchner -- entered "not guilty" pleas.

Bowers and Groves are charged with third-degree murder and face 20-40 years behind bars in convicted.

Kirchner faces a first-degree murder charge and possible life in prison.

Authorities say he delivered a deadly kick to the head of David Sale Jr. after Sale was beaten and knocked to the ground by all three defendents.

Investigators say the confrontation began inside the ballpark, during a game between the Phillies and the Cardinals on July 25th, 2009, then resumed at a nearby bar (see related story).

Reported by Paul Kurtz, KYW Newsradio 1060

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