Attorney says Hempfield woman will claim self-defense in husband's shooting
The attorney for a Hempfield woman accused of fatally shooting her husband said he plans to present a self-defense argument at trial.
“We’re going to do everything we can to bring this case to trial as soon as possible so the jury can make a decision,” attorney Tim Andrews said. “This case is about if you’re in your home and you’re in your bedroom and somebody comes in with a gun and threatens you … it shouldn’t matter whether you’re living there as a husband or a wife, you have a right to defend yourself.”
District Judge Joseph DeMarchis ruled Thursday that prosecutors presented enough evidence to hold a homicide charge against Leeann M. Steel, 51, for trial. His decision came after a preliminary hearing during which two state troopers testified briefly about what they encountered Oct. 18 at the couple’s home on Merlin Lane.
Steel called 911 to report the shooting and seek medical attention for William Steel, 54, her husband of 29 years, according to court papers filed by police. She claimed they were in an argument at the time of the shooting.
William Steel, 54, was found with a gunshot wound in a bedroom. He was taken to a hospital where he died, police said. Assistant District Attorney James Lazar said Steel was shot twice in the torso.
Cpl. Matthew Myers testified Leeann Steel admitted to the shooting. She was found in the yard of a neighboring property at the end of the secluded lane in the western part of the township. Troopers seized a pistol.
“She indicated that she had shot him,” Myers said.
Friends and family of both Steels attended the hearing in the standing-room-only courtroom. Police previously said information from William Steel’s family indicated he had mobility issues and typically used an assistance device, such as a walker.
They were married in 1996, and the Merlin Lane property was transferred to them in 2005, according to Westmoreland County records.
Leeann Steel remains at the Westmoreland County Prison without bail.
Renatta Signorini is a TribLive reporter covering breaking news, crime, courts and Jeannette. She has been working at the Trib since 2005. She can be reached at rsignorini@triblive.com.
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