Women's groups react to judge's action

Suicide of defendant in protection-from-abuse case prompts criticism

A district judge's decision last week to send a man accused of terroristic threats home to get his guns has raised concerns of women's advocates, some of whom said Thursday that they're sending domestic violence case guidelines to all local members of the minor judiciary in response.

Brian McHale, 38, of Perry North, didn't turn his guns in to police, as District Judge Robert P. Dzvonick ordered April 21. Instead, he committed suicide, sparking a debate about whether the judge should have let a man who was the defendant in a protection-from-abuse, or PFA, order to go unaccompanied to get an arsenal of about a dozen guns.

"Why wasn't a constable sent with [Mr. McHale]?" asked Susan McHale, his widow. "In my opinion, if [Judge Dzvonick] would've done his job, I wouldn't have had to hold a funeral for my children's father."

Judge Dzvonick said the circumstances leading to Mr. McHale's death are being manipulated during a political season in which he faces three challengers and are being used by activists who have long objected to his style.

"This is politically motivated," he said. "The reason why these women think that I'm tough is because I take this very seriously. ... I am not a rubber stamp for these women's civic groups."

Mr. McHale was in Judge Dzvonick's Shaler courtroom for a preliminary hearing on charges of threats and harassment. Those never came up because Shaler police Officer Keith Zahniser noted that Mr. McHale had not turned in his guns, as required by a PFA order that Ms. McHale got against him days earlier.

Judge Dzvonick told Mr. McHale to turn in his guns to any of a variety of law enforcement agencies, then return in two hours for his preliminary hearing. By that time, a court reporter could be summoned for a proper hearing.