CLEARFIELD – While defendant Michael Guelich took the stand in his own defense on Thursday, he was not the only person to testify. Among the others to testify were his wife and oldest son, a number of state troopers and a firearms expert.
Janelle Guelich testified that Oct. 10, 2009 started as normal. She said her husband coached their son’s football game and they got home around 5-5:50 p.m. She said that she had her first beer around 6 p.m. and had six to eight beers over a 5 hour time period. Under direct from her husband’s defense attorney, she indicated she had no recollection issues.
She related how the argument occurred, that there was no threat of physical harm or threats made by her husband. She said she pushed him aside at one point to go to the bathroom, where she shut the door. She said he pushed the door open, which bumped her. She stated that they eventually learned their youngest son called 911. She stated her husband threatened suicide at this point, telling her that his life insurance policy would take care of her and their two kids.
She testified that she could hear her husband talking to police and that he did not threaten them. She also said that when police arrived they attempted to get her to leave their house. She said she did not want to, because she believed her husband would kill himself. She stated that she did not believe she or her children were in harm’s way. The troopers did get her and the kids outside. At this time she heard a gunshot wound. She stated she said, “Did he just shoot himself?”
Under cross-examination Clearfield County District Attorney William A. Shaw Jr. questioned her about the 911 call her son made and what was believed to be her voice in the background giving directions to their house. She stated that she did not remember that. Shaw also asked her about damage done to the lock on the bathroom door. She indicated on multiple occasions the lock was not damaged. Shaw showed her a photo and asked her again if he broke it and she stated she did not know if he did.
She was also questioned about a shell casing. She stated she came home the next day with two frinds. She stated that she remembered seeing the casing, but that she wasn’t sure what happened to it.
The Guelich’s oldest son also testified that his younger brother call 911 during an argument their parents were having. Under cross from Shaw, he was asked if he wanted his brother to call police, to which he responded, “Yes.” He stated that he was scared. He also testified they were in the driveway when he heard one gunshot.
Tpr. Timothy Butler, forensics services unit, stated that on Oct. 13 he, Tpr. David Patrick and Michael Guelich examined the house. He testified regarding photos of the bullet’s journey through the house. He also testified that he recovered the bullet above a bathroom door, resting on a wooden plate. He stated that Michael Guelich was present and pointed out the initial entry point of the bullet.
Expert witness Sgt. Antonio Ferraro, a forensic firearm and toolmaker examiner, testified as to the semi-automatic rifle allegedly used to fire the bullet within the house, as well as the spent shell. He testified that the gun did not fire accidentally when shocked or dropped during testing. He also noted that in his opinion, the bullet recovered could have been fired from the gun, but he couldn’t rule out it was fired from another gun. He stated that there were not enough characteristics to tie it specifically the gun in question.
Tpr. Patick was one of a number of other troopers to testify. He was questioned about his involvement in the case as well as Michael Guelich’s. He testified that Guelich was taken into custody at a camp in Clinton County. He said when this occurred, Guelich asked them, “How bad is this?”
He also testified that when he, Michael Guelich and Butler were going through the house, Guelich said, “That’s where I shot, I wasn’t pointing the gun at anyone.”
Under cross Patrick testified agreed with Pentz that Michael Guelich did not hinder their investigation.
Tpr. Dirk Niel testified that he was one of the vehicles following what the believed to be Michael Guelich’s truck. He testified that the truck in question came right at his vehicle, at one point, and he had to take evasive action, pulling into a yard, to avoid being struck.
