Senators gun used in shooting

[RUDY850]

Feb 23, 2007 10:07 pm US/Eastern

Regola Testifies During Inquest Into Teen's Death
(KDKA) GREENSBURG A Westmoreland County state senator whose gun has been tied to the shooting death of his teenage neighbor testified today during a coroner’s inquest.

Louis Farrell, 14, was found dead last July behind his Hempfield Township house.

Since then, investigators have been trying to figure out if Farrell’s death was an accident, a homicide or a suicide.

Today was the second day of testimony for the inquest.

State Senator Bob Regola told the judge his teenage son, Bobby, knew where his guns were kept, and that the gun connected to Farrell’s death was missing the night before the teen's body was discovered.

During questioning today, the district attorney said a state trooper remembered something much different.

Reading from a state trooper’s report, the DA said: “I asked Regola where he kept his 9MM pistol. He replied, ‘Bobby Regola’s bedroom.”

Senator Regola replied in court: “I do not recall that.”

The DA asked: “Do you think a 16-year-old should have a gun in his bedroom?”

Senator Regola said: “No, I do not.”

“There certainly shouldn’t be any criminal culpability here against anybody,” Charles Porter, Regola’s attorney, said. “There is not evidence to support criminal charges. We have a horrible tragedy, and … the suggestion that there should be any criminal charges based on this evidence just doesn’t fly.”

Dr. Cyril Wecht testified Farrell was shot at close range in the right side of his head.

“Statistically speaking, this would be the most common anatomic site for a gunshot wound entrance of a self-inflicted or a suicidal wound,” he told reporters.

Doug Farrell, Louis’ father, also testified. He said his son loved life and was not suicidal.

“I know that Louie was not in those woods alone and I know that he didn’t intentionally pull the trigger of a loaded gun and put it to his head,” Jon Perry, an attorney for the Farrell family said.

It is expected to be two weeks before any decision is made regarding Farrell’s manner of death and if any charges should be filed.

Just came across this. This is the first I seen anything about it.But it happened last year some time from what I read from a different article.