Allegheny County Jail asst. director of nursing accused of pulling gun on 2 women, son found dead

ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Pa. — Allegheny County Jail’s assistant director of nursing was found dead inside his home, Channel 11's Melanie Gillespie confirmed Friday. Police are investigating the cause of his death.

David Santorella Jr. was suspended without pay and was facing charges after he allegedly pulled a gun on two women and his 3-year-old son.

Santorella was arrested earlier this month on aggravated assault and harassment charges in connection with an incident inside his Westmoreland County home.

According to the criminal complaint filed in the case, Santorella was arguing with two women in the bedroom of his home. Channel 11 News learned Thursday the women were his ex-wife and an ex-girlfriend.

The complaint said Santorella aimed a loaded pistol at the two women and pulled the trigger several times. The gun didn’t go off because of a key lock, police said.

Channel 11 News also learned that Santorella’s 3-year-old son walked into the room at one point. According to the complaint, Santorella aimed the pistol at his son and pulled the trigger, but the gun again did not go off.

Santorella was due back in court in November. His attorney did not return a request for comment.

Cox Media Group