Former DA’s role in hunting death questioned

    A prominent Montgomery County attorney could be disciplined for his role in a hunter’s death. Michael Marino’s nephew David Manilla faces charges of manslaughter in the shooting death of another hunter. Marino himself faces no criminal charges. But he could face professional censure.Michael Marino, a former Montgomery County District Attorney and former county commissioner,  has a reputation as a brilliant trial attorney.A few days after Thanksgiving, he and his nephew were hunting deer in Bucks County when the nephew allegedly shot and killed Barry Groh, a father of two. According to an affidavit released by the Bucks County District Attorney, Marino knew his nephew was using an illegal high-powered rifle. In fact, the nephew was a convicted felon, and so was forbidden to even posses or use firearms. The men left the victim lying by a creek. Later they called police, but let a paramedic speculate that Groh may have had a heart attack. According to the affidavit, detectives interviewed Marino several times over the next week, but it took him 10 days to finally tell them all he knew.  Sam Stretton, an attorney who has both prosecuted and defended lawyers before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s disciplinary board, said, “It’s just not a good thing. A lawyer has to be an example and lead the way, particularly one that has had so many high offices.”Stretton, who said the disciplinary board will probably investigate the incident, said he thinks Marino should be suspended from practicing law. Marino could not be reached for comment. The disciplinary board does not release details of any of its investigations.

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