EASTON, Pa. — A Northampton County man accused of fatally shooting his mother’s longtime boyfriend appeared in court Tuesday, where his attorney argued the shooting was an act of self-defense.
Ryan James Yaindl, 26, of West Easton Borough, is charged with criminal homicide in the September 12 death of 52-year-old Jason G. Derr.
Yaindl appeared for a preliminary hearing Tuesday as family and friends filled much of the courtroom behind him.
According to investigators, Yaindl’s mother had been in a relationship with Derr for nearly 13 years. Court documents describe the relationship as tumultuous and include allegations of abusive behavior.
Authorities said the confrontation escalated on the morning of September 12 inside a home in the 100 block of Spring Street.
Court paperwork alleges Yaindl heard his mother yelling for help downstairs. Investigators said Derr had allegedly grabbed her by the head, pulled her from a recliner and dragged her before Yaindl confronted him near the staircase.
Derr allegedly then came up the stairs toward Yaindl, who fired multiple shots.
Investigators said Yaindl later made a statement indicating he believed he had killed Derr and told someone to call 911.
Pennsylvania State Police previously said officers arrived shortly before 9 a.m. and found Derr suffering from multiple gunshot wounds inside the home. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
During Tuesday’s hearing, defense attorney Gary Asteak argued Yaindl acted to protect his mother and himself.
Asteak argued the shooting was not premeditated and said the circumstances do not support treating the case as first-degree murder.
Yaindl’s mother also gave emotional testimony about the events leading up to the shooting, while a state trooper who responded to the scene testified for the prosecution.
The Northampton County District Attorney’s Office said the purpose of Tuesday’s hearing was to determine whether there was enough evidence for the criminal homicide charge to proceed.
According to a statement from prosecutors, the court heard evidence that Yaindl fired multiple shots and killed an unarmed man before determining the evidence was sufficient to hold the case for trial.
The defense plans to challenge whether the evidence supports a first-degree murder theory and is also expected to seek bail for Yaindl.
Yaindl’s formal arraignment is scheduled for November 5.
The case remains pending, and the charges are allegations. Yaindl is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
