32 seats allotted for observers at trial

The defendant has requested seven seats for her family.

By LAURE CIOFFI

VINDICATOR PENNSYLVANIA BUREAU

SHARON, Pa. — There will be 32 seats allotted for the public, press and others during murder suspect Donna Moonda’s trial next month in federal court in Akron.

U.S. District Court Judge David Dowd issued an order Thursday requesting the U.S. Marshals Service put together a seating chart. The judge said he was reserving one bench for the marshals only.

The rest of the seats — 32 — must be divided among victims, the defendant’s family, press and the public.

The judge’s order indicates that Moonda is requesting seven seats for her family members.

Judge Dowd has asked the government to provide the names and addresses of victims who also will need seating.

The judge noted that it is likely that either side will request that all witnesses be barred or limited from sitting in on the trial and that may limit the number of family and victims.

Attorneys must submit those names by next Friday.

Background

Moonda, 48, of Mercer County, is accused of aiding and abetting in the May 13, 2005, shooting death of her millionaire urologist husband, Dr. Gulam Moonda, on the Ohio Turnpike.

She faces the death penalty if convicted.

Jury selection is expected to begin June 4 and testimony scheduled to start June 18.

Moonda’s former lover, Damian Bradford of Beaver County, is expected to be the star witness.

Bradford pleaded guilty last year to shooting Dr. Moonda. He told prosecutors he killed the doctor after the widow promised to share half of her inheritance. Bradford is expected to get a 17-year prison sentence in exchange for his testimony.

cioffi@vindy.com