Man charged with murder of girlfriend hires new attorney

MERCER, Pa. -- A Shenango Township man accused of murdering his girlfriend has hired a new attorney after learning that his previous counsel is under a doctor's care for depression.
Leon Grande, 60, has now hired Atty. Donald Lewis of Meadville to defend him against charges of first- and third-degree murder in the May 1 slaying of Deborra DeSantis, 47, in her Laurel Drive, Sharpsville, home.
Grande is accused of hitting her head against a wall and drowning her in her bathtub. He was arrested at the scene and has admitted killing DeSantis, police said.
Grande's defense is based on his own suffering from depression and diminished mental capacity, and he learned in court March 1 that his first attorney, Wayne Hundertmark of Venango County, is being treated for depression as well.
Hundertmark said he was forced to make the disclosure by Judge Francis J. Fornelli, who is hearing the case.
He said he was prepared to go forward with the trial and Fornelli agreed, but Grande decided he wanted a new attorney.
Fornelli gave him 10 days to find a new attorney and said the new counsel would have three weeks to review Hundertmark's handling of the case and 30 days to file any new motions.
Trial is set for the May term of criminal court, Fornelli said.