A Philadelphia man accused of killing his younger brother inside an Atlantic City casino-hotel room will be jailed pending trial.
John Villante entered the courtroom Tuesday using a cane, and silently acknowledged his mother, who sat behind the prosecution table and leaned forward to watch him, crying at times.
His attorney did not fight detention, which was recommended in the public safety assessment given under bail reform due to the nature of the charges.
Villante, 38, is accused of killing 32-year-old Joseph Villante on May 28, inside the 11th-floor room they were inside alone at Harrah's Atlantic City.
"When asked by the police what happened, the defendant denied any culpability and said the deceased must have fallen in the shower," Assistant Prosecutor Rick McKelvey told the judge.
But blunt-force injuries, superficial stab wounds and defensive wounds to the younger Villante's hands and limbs told a different story.
There was also a "significant amount of blood in the hotel room," McKelvey said. John Villante also later made "culpatory statements" to other witnesses.
Villante, who suffers from some mental issues, told the judge he has been properly taking his medication.
Superior Court Judge Bernard DeLury also asked Villante several questions, including if he knew where he was, what a plea deal is and who is president.
After Villante answered the questions, the judge said "he seems to be oriented to time and place, at least as we sit here today."
Villante will remain in the Atlantic County Justice Facility. A tentative court date was set for Oct. 3.
