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Warrant Says Senator's Son Was 'Deceptive' In Shooting Probe

POSTED: 12:55 pm EST November 15, 2006
UPDATED: 5:58 pm EST November 15, 2006

Despite months of appeals by the Westmoreland County district attorney, warrants in the shooting death of Sen. Bob Regola's 14-year-old neighbor have finally been unsealed.

State police searched Regola's Hempfield Township house back in August after his neighbor, Louis Farrell, 14, was shot, allegedly with Regola's gun.

The search warrant lists the following items police were searching for in Regola's home:

  • Clothing containing blood, include shoes
  • Philly blunt cigars
  • Winchester 9 mm shells
  • Computer discs, drives and optical storage devices
  • All computer hardware, including but not limited to any equipment that can collect, analyze, create, display, convert, store, conceal or transmit electronic, magnetic, optical or similar computer impulses or data.

    Regola's 16-year-old son, Robert Regola IV, seemed to know that his teenage friend was dead before anyone told him and was "somewhat deceptive" when investigators questioned him about how the lawmaker's gun wound up next to the boy's body, according to a police search warrant affidavit unsealed Wednesday.

    "It doesn't strike the imagination as difficult thinking that a 16-year-old boy, by himself, may not be capable of fully responding to questions by state troopers," said Regola attorney Mark Rush.

    An autopsy determined Farrell died of a single gunshot wound to the head. The senator's 9 mm handgun was found near the body, but authorities haven't determined whether the boy shot himself or was shot by someone else.

    "We would like for him to cooperate with the investigators, help us solve this mystery," said Jon Robert Perry, the Farrell family attorney. "And at least allow Louis Farrell, his reputation that he made for himself while he was on earth, rest in peace with that reputation."

    No charges have been filed and no arrests have been made. State police continue to investigate the case.


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