‘A huge heart’: Owner of Lower Burrell pub remembered as charitable man with big personality

LOWER BURRELL, Pa. — The owner of Mogie’s Bar and Restaurant who was shot and killed Thursday morning is being remembered by his community.

If you live in Lower Burrell or the nearby surrounding communities, you likely have heard of David Magill, better known as “Mogie.”

“His personality couldn’t fit in that building. This man had a huge personality. A huge heart for others,” Mogie’s friend, Marcie Leo told Channel 11.

>> Owner of Lower Burrell pub shot, killed outside of business; suspect in custody

In addition to owning Mogie’s Bar and Restaurant off of Leachburg Road, he was widely known for his charity work — specifically with Back the Blue, and the Officer Brian Shaw Foundation, an organization created to help first responders and honor the lives of fallen officers.

Hundreds of people lit candles, raising them high in the air Thursday night, paying tribute to Magill.

“Mogie was the type of person that if you met him for the first time it felt like you knew him for your entire life,” said Jackie Shaw, who knew Magill well and was in attendance for his vigil.

In his 64 years of life, Mogie touched the hearts of countless people in Lower Burrell and beyond.

His bar and restaurant bearing his nickname has served as a favorite gathering spot for so many for more than two decades.

It’s also where he lost his life after being shot multiple times in the parking lot just after 9:00 Thursday morning.

“It’s devastating. Absolutely devastating,” said Shaw.

According to Lower Burrell Police, Nathan Salem showed up to City Hall minutes after the shooting and confessed.

The motive remains unclear, but law enforcement sources tell Channel 11 that Salem drove up to the parking lot and began arguing with Magill before firing several shots.

At least five bullet holes could be seen in the side of Magill’s truck.

Sources say one explanation could involve Salem recently being kicked out of the bar.

“He was well-liked. I don’t understand how somebody could do something like this. I didn’t know anybody who didn’t like him,” said Jim Meyers. He and his brother grew up with Magill.

The Meyers family knew Mogie for 55 years.

“I had to get a hold of my brother and tell him,” Meyers said. He took it pretty hard. It’s not easy. It’s something stupid, somebody comes along like this over an argument from what I understand.”

Magill will also be remembered as a strong supporter of the law enforcement community and the Officer Brian Shaw Foundation.

“Over the past year, since Brian was killed, Mogie — David Magill — has done just countless things for our family from fundraisers to providing moral support and he’s been a pillar for us not only as a family but as a foundation and for the community as a whole. This is yet another devastating loss for our family,” said Jackie Shaw, who is married to Brian Shaw’s brother.

Now, the community is working to get through the pain of Mogie’s loss together.

“Dave was such a force in this community, such a force for good that when we all come together to be reminded that that doesn’t end now. We are the ones that get to carry on the good that he started and to love deeply, as he did,” said Pastor Dean Ward who led a prayer at Thursday’s vigil.

Channel 11 reached out to the attorney for Nathan Salem and he did not want to comment on the case.

Salem is being held at the Westmoreland County Jail after being denied bail.

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