Two counts of attempted murder withdrawn in Potter County shooting

Ulysses, Pa. — A Potter County Judge approved a single count of attempted criminal homicide and other charges for trial during a preliminary hearing this week.

Two counts of the same charge were withdrawn as Stephen William Connolly, 39, of Ulysses appeared for just the second time since allegedly trying to kill the father of his estranged girlfriend. Connolly told police he wanted to kill the victim, who was beaten with a gun and put into a headlock during an assault on Sept. 7, according to a complaint.

Police received a call on Sept. 7 just before 5 a.m. from Connolly’s mother, who claimed her son had been drinking and left with a gun, according to the complaint. She directed troopers to a home on the 400 block of Cherry Springs Road. She claimed Connolly blamed his ex's father for their relationship ending.

A second call came from someone inside the home, who said Connolly entered and began firing rounds. A third call was placed by Connolly’s girlfriend, who told police he and her father were engaged in a fight, according to investigators.

Connolly ignored commands from the responding troopers, who ultimately got into a physical fight with him inside the home. Trooper Chip Scheller tased Connolly and was able to take him into custody. Investigators found live ammunition, spent shell casings, firearms, bullet holes, and blood evidence inside the home, according to the complaint.

Multiple bullets strikes were in the headboard where two victims were sleeping, police said.

Connolly was read his Miranda Rights while being recorded by a trooper’s body cam, and allegedly made a statement about wanting to kill his girlfriend’s father. He told police additional evidence was in his vehicle, investigators said.

After requesting a cigarette, Connolly told police he drove a black Jeep Grand Cherokee and parked it near the house. Traveling to the Coudersport State Police Barracks, Scheller pointed out the exact vehicle parked a quarter of a mile down the road.

Connolly carried on after being arrested, according to the affidavit. Before being read his rights, he told police, “The only thing I’m sorry about is I didn’t f*****g kill that m**********r” as they took him into custody. Connolly continued, saying, “There was no intent to hurt my f*****g family. I intended to kill (the victim),” according to the report.

Charges of attempted criminal homicide, simple assault, aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person, terroristic threats, strangulation, burglary, criminal trespassing, possession of a firearm prohibited, and possession of an instrument of crime with intent were all approved for trial. Two counts of criminal homicide were withdrawn by the prosecution.

Connolly is being held at the Potter County Jail after Judge Bryan Phelps upheld his denial for bail.

Docket sheet