Trial underway for elderly funeral director accused in deadly shooting

PITTSBURGH — The trial is underway for an elderly funeral director charged in the shooting death of a contractor. 
 
William Welsh, 90, of Homestead, is charged in the July shooting death of 58-year-old William Menni of McKees Rocks outside the funeral home owned by Welsh's family.   Authorities said the two had argued about the demolition of a nearby vacant home.
 
The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported the proceedings had been scheduled to open Monday but were delayed a day because the defendant couldn't hear the testimony.   He wore a headset Tuesday.
 
"I hollered, 'No, no, no no' and I ran over to Mr. Menni," said a witness.
 
The witness called 911, and that call was played in court.
 
A young witness, 13, described what she saw and heard.
 
"I heard two gunshots and Mr. Bill was standing right by me.   He put his hands to his head when the first gun shot went off, and when he got shot the second time, he fell to the ground," she said.
 
After Welsh was arrested last summer, he talked to Channel 11.
 
"Harassment all the time.  Ask some of the borough officials," he said.
 
Defense attorney Frank Walker has said his client acted in self-defense.

WPXI