Butler woman charged in Arnold homicide last summer denied bail

A Butler woman charged with second-degree murder in connection with an Armstrong County man’s killing last year in Arnold was denied bail Thursday by a Westmoreland County judge.

Bailey Ann Hines, 25, has been in jail since her arrest following the June 28, 2019, fatal shooting of Gregory Ray Wynkoop, 35, in an Arnold alley in what police said was a scheme to steal his money during a staged drug deal.

Defense attorney Emily Smarto argued that Hines’ speedy trial rights were violated in part because of the coronavirus pandemic, which caused courts to suspend trials in Westmoreland County from March until last month. Smarto said Hines should be released from jail on a nominal bond as she awaits a trial that has yet to be scheduled.

Hines has been held without bond since her arrest in August 2019.

Police said Wynkoop, of East Franklin, was shot once during a robbery in the 1500 block of Kenva Alley, which runs between Arnold’s North and McCandless streets.

According to court records, Hines and two others were charged in connection with Wynkoop’s death. Police said Wynkoop was shot as he attempted to buy illicit drugs from Allen Duwayne Herring, 33, of Braddock, who posed as a drug dealer as part of a plot to steal his money. Investigators said Hines, along with Herring’s girlfriend, helped plan and execute the robbery scheme.

Hines told police Wynkoop was shot when a gun discharged as both men fought during the robbery. Hines was accused of taking $300 from the dead man’s wallet, according to court records.

Westmoreland County Common Pleas Judge Christopher Feliciani said Hines is not entitled to bail because she is charged with second-degree murder, a crime that carries a mandatory life prison sentence for a conviction.

The judge ordered that pretrial motions on Hines’ behalf must be filed within 20 days. Smarto, following Thursday’s hearing, declined to disclose Hines’ defense.

In addition to the murder count, Hines is charged with robbery and conspiracy.

Herring is charged with first- and second-degree murder, robbery, conspiracy and a firearms offense. He is being held without bond.

Herring’s girlfriend, Santyna Marie Bennett, 26, of Arnold, was charged in May with a general count of criminal homicide, robbery and conspiracy. She is being held without bail.