WILSON, Pa. – A man accused of shooting and killing his brother in a Northampton County home has waived his preliminary hearing Monday morning, according to a 69 News crew at the courthouse.
The decision to waive the hearing sets the stage for a possible trial.
The defendant, 21-year-old Thuan Vo, is charged with one count of criminal homicide for “intentionally, knowingly, recklessly or negligently” causing his brother’s death, court paperwork says. He’s behind bars, as there is no bail for homicide charges.
Vo called 911 just after midnight on Sunday, September 20, and first said he accidentally stabbed his brother, and then said he accidentally shot his brother in the neck, the paperwork says.
Officers responded to the home in the 2200 block of Birch Street in Wilson and found Vo’s brother inside the front door on the floor, with a gunshot wound to the back of his neck. He was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead a few hours later, authorities said.
The victim was later identified as 24-year-old Bryan Vo, who resided in the home where the incident occurred.
Rich Rolen | WFMZ-TV
Thuan told investigators that he and his brother had just gotten their concealed carry licenses the day before. According to the criminal complaint, Vo told police he and his brother were about to leave their house to go to a gas station when he attempted to unholster his gun, pressed the magazine release, and pressed the trigger.
Thuan told investigators he did not want a round in the gun’s chamber because it was unsafe.
The criminal complaint does not specifically say Thuan Vo intentionally shot his brother.
His defense attorney, Gary Asteak, tells 69 News he’s hoping to have a bail hearing soon and is very optimistic he’ll get out.
Asteak tells us Vo loved his brother, saying they were dear best friends.
“It means the world to him, and when he was first incarcerated, he felt dead inside. That’s what he told me. Dead inside. Not only did he lose his best friend and brother, but he obviously let down his mom and all of his friends and family. He’s lived an impeccable life. He’s never been in trouble before, and he felt dead inside,” Asteak said.
Vo is scheduled for a formal arraignment on November 5.
69 News reached out to the District Attorney’s Office for comment but has not heard back.
We’ll have more from the courtroom Monday coming up on WFMZ-TV at 5.