Eberle Murder Suspects In Court

In New Jersey, the suspected killers of a Patco high speed line commuter were back in court Monday.

The two men are charged with the kidnapping and murder of Christine Eberle, and they're facing possible death sentences if convicted.

Marcus Toliver, 24, and Ryshaone Thomas, 24, both of Camden, have been jailed close to a year on multiple charges in the death of Christine Eberle of Washington Township.

With a full trial for the defendants nearly a year away, Judge Frank Lario Jr. wants to keep the prosecution and defense moving, so he scheduled pretrial motions for January 2003.

Eberle was abducted from Patco's Ferry Avenue Station last November and later found beaten, robbed and strangled.

Ryshaone Thomas was discovered driving Eberle's car. Toliver was picked up later, police said.

While both defendants have confessed, the court hearings will continue. One reason being, the prosecution says it intends to seek the death penalty. And defense lawyers may want to challenge any statements made by the defendants.

In court for every hearing watching Thomas and Toliver, Christine Eberle's mother, other family members and friends on Monday wearing buttons bearing Christine photo:

"It's heart-wrenching just to see them," said Linda Reis, the victim's Mother

Lawyers for Thomas and Toliver had no comment Monday, through Toliver had earlier fought to have his $1 million bail lowered to no avail.

The men were returned to the Camden County jail pending another court hearing January 27th.

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