Special judge gets Del. teen's case in deputy slaying

PINEVILLE, Ky. - May 7, 2008 Circuit Judge James L. Bowling Jr. said he could have presided impartially over the trial of 17-year-old /*David Poppiti*/ of New Castle, Del., but stepped aside because he knew the victim.

A special judge will hear the case surrounding the traffic crash death of Deputy Sean Pursifull in January.

Authorities were chasing Poppiti and 16-year-old /*Eric Gerrin*/ of Lincoln University, Pa., after they allegedly drove off without paying for gasoline in Harlan County.

Police said Pursifull had parked beside U.S. 119 to help stop them when the car driven by Poppiti veered off the road and struck the deputy's cruiser.

Information from: Lexington Herald-Leader, http://www.kentucky.com