A North Mahoning Township man, accused of killing his father-in-law in June, could be in court this week for a preliminary hearing.  That hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday morning.  Officials say 55-year-old Richard Earl Shotts was killed after a dispute when Fairman came to the home of his estranged wife, and Shotts’ daughter, Jessica, in early June.

 Officials say that Shaun Fairman had a rifle and a handgun when as was confronted near the kitchen window by Shotts in an effort to protect his family. Shotts apparently attempted to defuse the situation and talk to Fairman, but when he placed his own weapon into his pocket, Fairman immediately raised the handgun and shot him through the window. Shotts died at the scene.  Police say Fairman then made his way through the house, looking for his wife.  When he found her upstairs, Jessica Fairman shot him twice and held him at bay until police arrived.  He was taken to the Punxsutawney Hospital and then the Indiana County Jail.

Fairman is facing charges including criminal homicide, burglary and assault.  He remains in the Indiana County Jail.