Gary Ellenberger, 56, is charged with attempted criminal homicide, aggravated assault, simple assault, reckless endangerment and harassment, according to records kept by the Butler County Prison.

The lawyer representing a Chicora man accused of attempted criminal homicide says his client has a long history of psychiatric issues that he will use to build an insanity defense in the coming months.

Butler County Judge Timothy McCune scheduled a March hearing during which Charles Nedz, attorney for 56-year-old Gary Ellenberger, will try to persuade the court to allow a forensic psychiatrist to examine and, ultimately, determine his mental status. Ellenberger is charged with shooting Heath Schrecengost, 27, of Karns City in the torso at a Chicora bar in September.

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