LOWER BURRELL MAN CHARGED WITH MURDERING BAR OWNER PLANS INSANITY DEFENSE

A Lower Burrell man charged with killing a popular tavern owner is planning to use an insanity defense during his trial.  The Trib reports that 47-year-old Nathan Salem is charged with shooting David “Mogie” McGill on December 21st, 2023 Salem is charged with first-degree murder and a general count of criminal homicide.  Defense attorneys Dan Joseph and Duke George filed official notice of the insanity defense this week, saying their client suffered from mental infirmaries that resulted in him not being able to perceive things appropriately.  Months after his arrest, a county judge declared Salem incompetent to stand trial and ordered treatment at Torrance State Hospital. However, following a January hearing, a judge ruled Salem’s competency had been restored, and he was returned to Westmoreland County Prison to prepare for trial.