Attempted homicide charges held for court in Masontown shooting
Attempted homicide and other charges were held for court against a Masontown man, but the alleged victim denies knowing who shot him.
Donavin Lendall Williams Moore, 23, is accused of shooting Willie Jamal Batie outside Aunt Jean’s Bar on Main Street in Masontown on March 25.
Batie testified at Moore’s preliminary hearing on Wednesday that he and Moore were fighting. He said he was shot four times.
Surveillance footage shown at the hearing showed an altercation. Batie appeared to swing a pool stick at Moore twice. Shortly after the second swing, Moore appeared to fire multiple shots at Batie.
Batie adamantly denied seeing a gun in Moore’s hand.
“We shook hands before. We’re cool,” he said. “We had an altercation, but I don’t think it went that deep. That’s my cousin’s boyfriend. I don’t think he would shoot me.”
He was transported to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital for treatment.
Masontown police Officer Michael Yeager testified that a witness described the shooter, which matched the man on the video.
Mastontown Sgt. Scott Miller interviewed Moore. He testified Moore confessed to shooting someone and asked if it could be considered self-defense.
He said Moore had a bruised arm from the altercation.
Moore is charged with two counts of attempted homicide and one count each of aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver and illegal possession of firearms.
He is lodged in Fayette County Prison in lieu of a $400,000 bond.