Apr 28, 2015 3 min read

For the first time in more than 30 years, Washington County Courthouse was graced with the presence of the Pennsylvania Superior Court.

On Tuesday, Judges Jack Panella, Jaqueline Shogan and Paula Ott traveled from Pittsburgh to hear arguments in 16 cases from Washington, Greene and Fayette counties. Residents, local attorneys and students from several local high schools and Washington & Jefferson College spent the day observing the 30-minute arguments.

Washington County President Judge Katherine Emery opened her courtroom for the day’s proceedings. For the better part of the day, the room was packed, and at times, bystanders lined the walls. At different times, members of the county bench and district attorney’s office also listened to and even played a role in the arguments.

A variety of court proceedings was among the appeals, including civil, criminal and custody cases. Among them were two of three people convicted in the conspiracy to rob and kill their 92-year-old California neighbor, Evelyn Stepko. Attorneys representing David J. “D.J.” McClelland and Diane McClelland argued certain evidence should not have been admitted at trial and there was insufficient evidence for convictions. David A. McClelland admitted to stabbing Stepko to death and pleaded guilty in October 2012 to first-degree murder. He received a life sentence without parole and died in state prison last May.

His son, D.J. McClelland, a former part-time police officer, was convicted in April 2013 of second-degree murder, receiving stolen property, dealing in unlawful proceeds of criminal activity and conspiracy. He also received a life sentence.

David A. McClelland’s wife, Diane McClelland was convicted in March 2013 of conspiracy and receiving stolen property in connection with the burglaries and thefts preceding Stepko’s death and was sentenced to 24½ to 49 years.

Attorney Josh Camson, who represents D.J. McClelland, said he expects a response to his appeal in two to three months. Both Camson and the panel appeared well-prepared and knowledgeable about the subject. He said Tuesday’s arguments provided a good opportunity for the community to see how the Superior Court operates.

Superior Court normally hears arguments in Harrisburg, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, but occasionally visits other locations. Panella said Superior Court hears arguments in other counties four times a year. The special sessions are better used to acquaint the public with the process by which matters before the court are considered and decided. The panel also participated in the swearing-in of new members to the Washington County Bar Association along with the county’s five common pleas judges.

Superior Court was created in 1895 to assist the state Supreme Court in handling a growing number of appeals.

Emery said the visit provided many opportunities for the county.

“It was a great opportunity for citizens to see how the Superior Court works, a great opportunity to show off our beautiful courthouse and to forge new relationships,” she said.

The Superior Court last visited Washington County in spring 1982. Attorney Charles Keller, who was president of the Pennsylvania Bar Association from 1982 to 1983, said the entire Superior Court bench visited the county courthouse as a “thank you” for his work toward raising the number of judges on the court from seven to 15.

“It’s a very nice recognition,” Keller said of the visit.

Panella agreed.

“(The Washington County bench) has an excellent reputation across the state,” he said.