A preliminary hearing was held yesterday for a prison sergeant accused of firing six shots at two people outside a Somerset County club last Sunday. Forty-two-year-old David Leipchack of Stoystown, represented by Altoona attorney Thomas Dickey, has pled not guilty to a slate of charges, including two counts of first-degree murder, aggravated assault, and simple assault. During the testimony, witnesses described hearing a verbal altercation followed by gunfire. One witness claimed Leipchack shouted insults at a female victim before allegedly firing at the pair as they attempted to flee the club in a vehicle. Three of the six rounds reportedly struck the victims’ car. Dickey reportedly argued that there was no intent to kill or injure either victim, and asked the judge to dismiss the aggravated assault charge, however the judge instead added two criminal mischief charges. Leipchack is reportedly suspended without pay from his position from SCI-Laurel Highlands, pending the outcome of an investigation. After his arrest, Leipchack was placed in the Somerset County Jail after failing to post $250,000 bail.
Thursday 5th February 2026
