New Castle News

Local News

March 11, 2010

Web site created for Jordan Brown defense

A Web site to support the plight of Jordan Brown’s family was highlighted on a morning television show today.

The 12-year-old’s father, Chris Brown, appeared for a guest interview on the “Good Morning America” program that aired locally on WTAE and WYTV.

The Web site, www.jordanbrowntrust.org, is formally called “Save Jordan Brown,” and was established by friends and family to raise money to help mount an effective defense and try to prove the boy’s innocence.

The program featured an interview with Brown about his son, who was arrested on double homicide charges following the Feb. 20 shooting death of his future stepmother, Kenzie Marie Houk, 26, and her unborn son in their New Beaver Borough home.

Houk and Brown were engaged to be married and they lived in the home with Houk’s two daughters and Jordan. Houk was shot in the head while lying in bed that morning and was a few weeks from giving birth.

Brown told “Good Morning America” that when he saw his son after his arrest, Jordan “looked like a baby in an orange jumpsuit in an adult jail.”

A hearing on whether the youth will be tried as a juvenile or adult will resume at 9:30 a.m. tomorrow in Lawrence County Court of Common Pleas.

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Local News
  • Shad.jpg Shad Hanna’s: Demolition expected to resume

    Demolition of the former Shad Hanna’s restaurant is about to resume. Anthony Cioffi, New Castle code enforcement foreman, said the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection halted the demolition to determine if any asbestos was in the building.

    February 8, 2012 1 Photo

  • Kladitis.jpg Northminster launching Bible study for young adults

    Anthony Kladitis, youth pastor at Northminster Presbyterian Church, is launching a new Bible study. Called “Engage(d),” he promises that the gathering “is not your father’s Bible study.”

    February 8, 2012 1 Photo

  • Baden woman seeks Senate seat

    Kimberly Pazzanita Villella of Baden has announced her candidacy for the state Senate in the 47th District. A Democrat, Villella is beginning her second four-year term on Baden Borough Council.

    February 8, 2012

  • money.jpg City pension fund sees gain in final quarter

    The city of New Castle’s employee pension fund gained in value during the last quarter of 2011. The gain is attributed to a strong showing in the stock market during the period following poor performance in the previous three months.

    February 7, 2012 1 Photo

  • gavel.jpg Judge denies new trial in McGaffic case

    Senior Judge Michael J. Wherry has denied a new trial regarding a property in downtown New Castle. In an order of court handed down yesterday, Wherry denied a new trial “because the plaintiffs lack standing as explained in the order of court dated Dec. 21, 2011.”

    February 7, 2012 1 Photo

  • Olszak.jpg Mitchel Olszak: Scammers learn to feed off human fear

    A few weeks ago, my computer went crazy. Boxes filled with warning notices and ominous-looking yellow triangles popped up on my screen, to tell me my system was filled with dangerous viruses. I was in imminent danger of having all sorts of personal information, passwords and financial data stolen.

    February 6, 2012 1 Photo

  • manna.jpg John K. Manna: State Supreme Court explains fault with redistricting plan

    A couple of things: We finally have an opinion. A week after it threw out a redistricting plan for state legislative districts, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court released its opinion yesterday.

    February 4, 2012 1 Photo

  • Mitchell.jpg Elected councilman contests disqualification

    A New Castle City Council candidate contends he should not be disqualified from holding office because he is seeking clemency.

    February 3, 2012 1 Photo

  • Ramsey.jpg Dave Ramsey: Proper insurance can transfer risk

    “Dave Says" is a weekly column featuring financial advice from nationally syndicated radio host Dave Ramsey. His column is filled with timely, relevant questions and answers taken from actual letters and calls on Ramsey's radio program, “The Dave Ramsey Show.”

    February 3, 2012 1 Photo

  • City planning OKs school addition

     The New Castle Planning Commission has recommended a conditional use be granted for a school addition. The New Castle Area School District plans to construct an addition to the Harry W. Lockley Kindergarten Center and create an early learning center.

    February 3, 2012