Probable Cause Found to Hold Messina Over for Trial

Probable cause has been found to hold a Windsor man over for trial on charges of first degree murder in Clark County.

19-year-old Thomas Messina faces three murder counts related to the January death of a Casey man in his home.  Authorities found the body of Gregory Scott Collins while fighting a fire in his residence.  Investigators have ruled the fire suspicious in nature.

During a Wednesday hearing, Messina's trial date was set for June 10, with a pre-trial hearing set on pending motions on April 23.

State's Attorney Dennis Simonton was granted the services of a special prosecutor to serve as Simonton's co-counsel during the trial.  

Once the special prosecutor was granted, the defense asked for appointment of a special defense attorney to assist in Messina's defense.  The judge asked for the order in writing, and said a ruling on the request will then be made.

Messina is being held in Clark County Jail on $500,000 bond.