Couple face trial in killing at hotel

Thursday, Aug. 9, 2001 | 10:41 a.m.

A tentative September trial date has been set for a Pennsylvania couple accused of killing a tourist at the Maxim hotel in April.

Paulette Walker Perry had wanted to waive her right to a speedy trial, but because her co-defendant, Kenneth Maurice Grant, invoked his right during a hearing Wednesday, District Court Judge John McGroarty set their trial for Sept. 24.

After the hearing, Perry's attorney, Andy Myers, said he is thinking about asking McGroarty to try the two separately.

Police say Perry lured David Sygnarski, 47, of Pennsylvania into a room at the hotel with a promise of sex and that she and Grant robbed him and stabbed him to death.

Sygnarski was found wrapped in plastic in the hotel room on April 26.

The couple, both 33, were captured in California after reportedly talking to friends about the slaying.

They face felony charges of murder with the use of a deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit robbery and robbery with the use of a deadly weapon.

Prosecutors have yet to decide if they intend to seek the death penalty.