Harlow Cuadra and Joseph Kerekes of Virginia Beach, Va., allegedly killed Bryan Kocis of Dallas, Pa., because of a business dispute involving their pornography business. Prosecutors say Cuadra and Kerekes wanted to expand into "twink" films featuring young male actors who appear to be juveniles and were angry because an actor they wanted was under exclusive contract to Kocis.

At Tuesday's hearing, Mark Bufalino, a lawyer appointed to represent Kerekes, told the judge he and Paul Galante, Cuadra's lawyer, are partners, the Wilkes-Barre Citizens-Voice reported.

Cuadra and Kerekes were once romantic partners in addition to their business relationship. But their attorneys say they now have conflicting strategies and have asked for separate trials.

They could receive death sentences if convicted.