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JIMMY SNUKA LEGAL UPDATE, DEFENSE ATTORNEY SAYS GRAND JURY WAS A 'SHAM'

WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Snuka was in court today for a hearing in LeHigh Valley, PA where the prosecution and defense both agreed they would bypass preliminary hearings in the case against Snuka, where he is charged with third-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter in the 1983 death of his then girlfriend, Nancy Argentino in Allentown, PA. Bypassing those hearings mean they would go right to trial. As part of the deal, the defense would receive access to the grand jury transcripts.

While Snuka, who was present, did not comment, his defense attorney Robert Kirwan told The Allentown Morning-Call that Argentino's death was, "simply an unfortunate accident ... not murder."

"The sooner this gets brought to court, to a jury, the better," Kirwin said. "It's not a day [Snuka] dreads. It's a day of freedom for him."

Kirwan said the grand jury investigation into Argentino's death was a "sham" due to a ruling that allowed hearsay testimony to be allowed.

"He is not dreading this trial. He's looking forward to clearing his name. and I expect him to be found innocent of all charges," Kirwan told The Morning Call.

Kirwan noted that Snuka's health has improved following surgery to remove 3/4ths of his stomach and several lmph nodes. Snuka will be starting chemotherapy and possibly radiation treatments, as long as his health allows. Snuka has yet to be formally arraigned, which will be the next step in the process.

To read the Allentown Morning Call coverage, click here.

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