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Potthoff may face death penalty

An Erie man who allegedly made his way to Warren County in June after killing two people could face the death penalty.

Cody J. Potthoff, 25, of Erie, was in Erie County court Monday for formal arraignment.

During that proceeding, the charges against Potthoff were read.

He faces numerous felonies including:criminal homicide — both murder of the first degree and murder of the second degree; two counts of aggravated assault; kidnapping; two counts of burglary; two counts of robbery; two counts of robbery of a motor vehicle; three counts of firearms not to be carried without a license; fleeing or attempting to elude officer; two counts of criminal trespass; two counts of theft by unlawful taking; and receiving stolen property.

Potthoff is accused of killing two people and stealing five vehicles as he fled from police in Erie County who were seeking him on a charge of attempted homicide.

He is accused of entering a Columbus Township residence on June 17 during that flight, then fleeing to another residence and stealing a vehicle there.

Potthoff was taken into custody at a Warren County shelter on June 18.

The Erie Times News reported on Tuesday that the Erie County District Attorney’s Office has had internal discussions about the possibility of seeking the death penalty. No formal announcement was made during court.

Gov. Tom Wolf issued a moratorium on executions in 2015.

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