Gary Ellenberger

Although the defense team of a 56-year-old Chicora man charged with attempted homicide declines to release results of his psychiatric evaluation, a recent court filing from prosecutors attacking the report's conclusions offers a glimpse into its findings, including references to a phone call between the defendant and his wife before the evaluation.

In addition to attempted homicide, Gary. D. Ellenberger faces several other charges related to the alleged shooting of a 27-year-old Karns City man at a Chicora bar last fall. Heath Schrecengost was shot in the torso Sept. 2, 2018 during an incident at Millerstown Inn on Main Street.

Simon requested the evaluation be thrown out in a recent court filing, arguing that allowing the report to be used in the case would help Ellenberger avoid proper punishment. Both Simon and Charles Nedz, a public defender representing Ellenberger, declined to comment on the report, citing privacy issues.

However, Nedz noted a hearing scheduled on Sept. 20 will likely address the evaluation

This story is an excerpt. For the full story, pick up Thursday's Butler Eagle.