Unbeknownst To Local Police, Accused Killer Goes To Philadelphia

A hearing scheduled for a brutal Cambria County killing was postponed Tuesday when the main suspect was sent to Philadelphia to appear in court for lesser charges.

Officials from the Cambria County Sheriff's Department went to pick up Tyrone Dixon from jail to transport Dixon to his arraignment. But when police arrived, they were told Philadelphia authorities picked up Dixon a few days ago to take him to court there to face writing bad check charges.

District Attorney Patrick Kiniry said no one notified him or the sheriff's department. Kiniry said he and other Cambria County officials are angered over the incident.

"I was shocked to say the least. Normally we know about these things," Kiniry said. "How did that happen?"

Dixon faces first-degree murder charges and possible death sentence in Cambria County on charges he shot James Tucker three times, doused him with lighter fluid, and set him on fire while he was still alive.

Sheriff's officials said they are upset over the extradition because Dixon is a flight risk. Further, they said the mix-up pushes the entire case back, possibly for months.

Stay with Channel 6 News for continuing coverage.