They stood in a row like obedient schoolboys, shoulder to shoulder, softly and deferentially repeating phrases like “yes, ma’am,” and “yes, your Honor.” The men known as the Pike’s Pub Six were in court Friday in front of Allen Superior Court Judge Fran Gull to find out whether or not they would face a jury together in what is known as a joinder trial for the beating of James Simmons on May 30 at Pike’s Pub in Waynedale.

Five of the six charged who - Douglas Zuber, Christopher Yoho aka Chris Woho, Ryan Minick, Jerrad Impton and Wert - are scheduled to appear Sept. 26 in front of Allen Superior Court Judge Fran Gull. Vard Warnock, the sixth defendant charged a week later after a misidentification, still has a hearing on Aug. 25, according to online court documents.

Because of the seriousness of the charges and the threat of the enhancement that could double their sentences, if convicted, the men are lawyering up. So far three have retained attorneys. They have until July 27 to find an attorney or a public defender, according to online court documents.