Preliminary hearing set for man charged in fatal shooting of Lower Burrell restaurant owner

A preliminary hearing for a man accused of killing a Lower Burrell restaurant owner in December is scheduled for Wednesday morning.

Nathan Salem, 45, of Lower Burrell faces a preliminary hearing before District Judge Cheryl Peck Yakopec. He faces first-degree murder and criminal homicide charges in connection with the shooting death of David “Mogie” Magill, 64.

“I don’t want to discuss the case before the preliminary hearing,” said Salem’s attorney, Duke George of New Kensington.

Just after 9 a.m. Dec. 21, Magill was shot and killed outside his restaurant, Mogie’s Irish Pub, along Leechburg Road in Lower Burrell, police said.

A city patrolman directing traffic at Bon Air Elementary School heard gunshots, went to the scene and found Magill suffering from a gunshot wound to his torso, police said. Police and EMS crews attempted to render aid to Magill. He died upon arrival at a hospital.

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Within minutes of the shooting, Salem drove to Lower Burrell City Hall and said he shot Magill, police said.

Police have yet to release a motive.

Police said that when questioned by investigators, Salem said he had two guns in his truck, with expanding rounds that would penetrate a ballistic vest. Police found multiple bullet strikes on Magill’s vehicle on the driver’s side door and an apparent bullet hole that pierced a window of the restaurant and lodged within an interior wall.

Salem was denied bail and is being held at the Westmoreland County jail.

The Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office had no update on a motive as of Tuesday morning.