Attorney weighs self-defense vs. accident in Penn Twp. shooting trial
The attorney for a woman accused of shooting her then-boyfriend in 2022 in Penn Township said Thursday he has not decided whether he will argue in her trial next month that the shotgun accidentally discharged or that his client acted in self-defense.
Attorney Brian Aston told Westmoreland County Judge Scott Mears during a court hearing that if he claimed the shotgun Leah H. Gillis, 36, of North Versailles allegedly brandished had accidentally discharged when it wounded her boyfriend, then he can’t say she acted in self-defense.
Gillis is charged with attempted homicide, aggravated assault and recklessly endangering another person in connection with the shooting in the early morning hours of Aug. 2, 2022, at an Ader Road residence. The trial, expected to last three days, is scheduled for July 7.
Gillis is accused of shooting the victim in the shoulder and neck at a house where the couple was staying for a few weeks. The victim told police they were arguing because the suspect thought he was cheating on her. The shotgun, owned by the homeowner, was retrieved from a dining room table, and the victim was shot as he walked toward the house, police said.
Aston said Gillis may have known the victim’s criminal history in Georgia and felt threatened. Assistant District Attorney Steve Reddy said the victim was charged in Georgia with obstruction.
Mears said at this time he was withholding judgment on the relevance of the victim’s criminal history in Georgia.
The judge also denied a defense motion seeking to modify Gillis’ bond by removing her from electronic home monitoring while free on $125,000 bond. Reddy argued Gillis should remain under electronic home monitoring because of the very serious charges she faces.
Mears also prohibited any mention to the jury by either the prosecution or defense of whether Gillis was intoxicated at the time of the shooting. Aston said he did not oppose the decision because intoxication could not be raised as a defense in the case.
Aston was given the right to ask prospective jurors whether they are members of any pro-gun or anti-gun organizations.
Joe Napsha is a TribLive reporter covering Irwin, North Huntingdon and the Norwin School District. He also writes about business issues. He grew up on Neville Island and has worked at the Trib since the early 1980s. He can be reached at jnapsha@triblive.com.
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