Trial ordered for two in gas station assault on homeless man

Two women have been ordered to stand trial in an attack at a north Philadelphia gas station that critically injured a homeless man.

The Philadelphia Daily News reports that a Common Pleas judge on Friday ordered 23-year-old Shareena Joachim to trial on charges of attempted murder, aggravated assault, conspiracy and related offenses.

Public defender Stephanie Fennell argued unsuccessfully for dismissal of the attempted murder charge.

Thirty-four-year-old Aleathea Gillard waived her preliminary hearing last month and was held for trial on all charges.

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Four other people are charged in the April 7 attack on 51-year-old Robert Barnes, who remains in a coma.

Police said the beating happened after a boy reported a dispute with Barnes at the Olney station as both were trying to pump gas for spare change.

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