Trial Ordered For Bucks Teen In Poisoned Birthday Card Plot
By Brad Segall
DOYLESTOWN, Pa. (CBS) -- A Hatboro, Pa. teenager has been ordered held for trial in Bucks County on charges that he tried to murder his former girlfriend's new boyfriend by sending him a greeting card laced with the deadly poison ricin.
Nicholas Helman, 19, waived his preliminary hearing on charges that include attempted murder, aggravated assault, stalking, and risking a catastrophe.
Helman is accused of delivering the ricin-laced card last March to a man's home in Warminster. Investigators recovered that card which, according to court documents, tested positive for the deadly poison (see previous story).
"We stand by the fact that we did charge attempted murder in this case," says Bucks County prosecutor Antonetta Stancu. "We do believe that the intent through the delivery of the card laced with ricin was to kill the victim."
Stancu did say that if this case goes to trial, they will be adding three additional charges to the complaint.
Helman remains behind bars without bail. The defense made no attempt to try to change his bail conditions.
His next court appearance is scheduled for June 13th.
