Mar 29, 2006 By The 1 min read

A Fayette County judge has ordered the county to pay for the psychiatric evaluation of Edward Belch, a German Township man accused of killing his ex-girlfriend and her paramour on May 10, 2005. Judge Steve P. Leskinen ruled Monday that Dr. Lawson Bernstein can evaluate the 45-year-old, who faces the death penalty if convicted of first-degree murder. Belch is being represented by the public defender’s office, and has a court-appointed attorney to handle the penalty phase of his trial.

Belch, of 148 Blaine Ave., McClellandtown, allegedly ran down Terri Lynn Gresko, 44, of Edenborn and Thomas D. Myers, 54, of Masontown while they rode on a motorcycle on Route 21. Belch, state police allege, was driving a truck.

He is charged with two counts of criminal homicide.

Bernstein is an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Medicine and a consultant to several state agencies, according to his resume. The $4,950 cost covers both an evaluation and trial testimony.

Additionally, Bernstein will be paid .45 per mile in travel under Leskinen’s order.