A small group of family and friends attended a preliminary hearing for a man accused of attempted criminal homicide after police say he shot his brother.

Logan Francis Rapsinski, 23, of Butler, waived his right to a preliminary hearing with his attorney, Michael Zunder, of Zunder and Associates, before District Judge Kevin O’Donnell on Thursday, Feb. 20.

In preliminary hearings, a judge rules if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial. By waiving his hearing, Rapsinski agreed there is enough evidence to go to trial.

Rapsinski’s family declined to comment on the case. Butler Township police previously charged Rapsinski with attempted criminal homicide, two counts of felony aggravated assault and one misdemeanor count of reckless endangerment.

Logan Francis Rapsinski

Police said they found Rapsinski’s brother lying on the ground with a gunshot wound to his groin-area after someone called 911 about the shooting around 10:20 p.m. Christmas Eve.

Police said Rapsinski had left his home in an agitated state, and the family called Butler County crisis intervention for assistance, according to the affidavit. Police said Rapsinski shot his brother, who had gone looking for him, from about 14.5 feet away when he approached. Rapsinski told police his brother threatened him on approach but had nothing in his hands, according to the affidavit.

Rapsinski called 911 after the initial call reporting the shooting. Police recovered a Smith and Wesson 380 semiautomatic pistol after detaining him.

Rapsinski’s formal arraignment has not yet been scheduled.