The Altoona Mirror reports that Judge Elizabeth Doyle moved the trial of Christopher Aikens from December to next month in Blair County court. Aikens is accused of taking corrections officer Rhonda Russell hostage at the Central Court building in November 2021. Altoona Police Sgt George Bistline fired at Aikens, but struck officer Russell, killing her. Aikens is charged because he took Russell hostage and had stolen her gun trying to escape. He is charged with second degree murder and other charges. The 5 day trial is slated to begin September 25.
