 Two co-defendants reached plea agreements, including one who testified against Cottingham during trial. The fourth defendant is scheduled to go on trial sometime this summer. Another public hearing is expected to take place on a bill to allow persons in residential properties to keep eight or fewer chickens in their backyards. No roosters would be permitted. The legislation was amended on Tuesday by the Frederick County Council. The amendment, sponsored by Councilwoman Renee Knapp, would deal with the welfare of the chickens.