Published Friday, September 1, 2000
SHARPSVILLE
Grande’s murder trial delayed
A murder trial for Leon Richard "Luggo" Grande, accused of killing a Sharpsville woman, has been postponed for a month.Originally scheduled for September, the trial was postponed until October. Grande’s defense lawyer, Wayne Hundertmark, Franklin, requested more time to prepare his case, said Mercer County District Attorney James P. Epstein.
Grande, 59, of 87 Maple Drive, Hermitage, is charged the first- and third-degree murder in the May 1 beating and drowning death of 47-year-old Deborah DeSantis at her 900 Laurel Drive home in Sharpsville. Probable-cause affidavits said Grande beat Ms. DeSantis’ head against a bathroom wall and drowned her in a bathtub.
Grande remains free on $100,000 bail.