Newport, Pa. - A former Northumberland County man was ordered to stand trial Wednesday for the May 1992 murder of an adult video store clerk in Perry County.

Steven Buttolph of Statesville, North Carolina was arrested in January after DNA evidence linked him to the murder scene.  State police tested a cigarette butt found at the video store.

The body of 37-year-old Donald Gosline of Liverpool was discovered by the co-owner of the 104 Video Store, located along Rt. 11/15 in Liverpool Township.  Police say Gosline was stabbed and beaten by Buttolph during a robbery.

Buttolph's ex-wife testified at his preliminary hearing on Wednesday that he admitted to her that he committed the crime shortly after it happened.

"He said he used a knife to stab Gosline in the head," Marcie Piazza told the court.  "He did not die from the stab wound so (Buttolph) beat him in the head with a pipe."

Buttolph was previously charged in 1995, but the case fell apart when Piazza refused to take the stand.  Gosline's family was pleased by Piazza's change of heart.  "We're grateful she came forward," said Kathy Shilling, Gosline's sister.

But Buttolph's lawyer called the case against his client weak.  "What we've come to at this proceeding is a statement that attributes this crime to him and that's it," said Defense Attorney Jerry Russo.  "There isn't any forensic evidence that connects him (to the crime)."

Perry County District Attorney Chad Chernot said it was unlikely he would seek the death penalty.  A trial date has not been scheduled.

 

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