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7 jurors picked for Pa. lawmaker's trial

PITTSBURGH (UPI) -- Seven jurors were picked Monday for the trial of a Pennsylvania legislator charged with perjury and other crimes relating to the suicide of a teenage neighbor.

State Sen. Robert Regola III, R-Hempfield, is charged with three counts of perjury stemming from his testimony at a coroner's inquest into the July 2006 death, allowing possession of a firearm by an underage person, reckless endangerment and false swearing, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported Monday.

Twelve jurors plus two alternates will be selected for the trial in Westmoreland County Common Pleas Court. Up to seven days of testimony is expected once a jury is seated.

A two-day coroner's inquest into the death of Louis Farrell, 14, heard evidence indicating he had used Regola's 9-mm handgun to shoot himself. The teen's body was found in the woods behind the family home with Regola's pistol next to him.

After his arrest, the senator's spokesman said in an e-mail that Regola considered the charges "without merit" and noted he was not at home when the suicide occurred. Regola also has said he has been "cooperative and candid" during the investigation.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International

This news arrived on: 07/07/2008

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