Killer of deer hunter pleads to federal charges

A Montgomery County lawyer, already serving time for killing a Bucks County hunter, pleaded guilty today to federal firearms counts.

David Manilla, 51, was prohibited from possessing weapons due to his conviction in a 1985 beating. But being a convicted felon didn't stop him from amassing a small arsenal of weapons.

In November 2010, Manilla was hunting with friends on the first day of deer season when he shot a Quakertown man with a high-powered rifle. The gun was illegal for hunting in such a densely populated area because of its power and range.

Barry Grohm 52 was standing 88 yards away in a stream bed, beside a nine-point buck he had bagged. The bullet Manilla fired pierced Groh's heart, killing him instantly.

The stream ran along land Manilla, of Worcester, owned in Richland Township. He later told police he had mistaken Groh for a deer.

Following the shooting, investigators searched Manilla's home. According to court documents, Manilla had stored 86 guns in a gunroom in his basement. But immediately after the fatal shooting, Manilla had his paramour remove them to her house. Investigators learned of the firearms at the paramour's home. Under questioning, Manilla admitted they belonged to him.

Manilla pleaded guilty today to possession of firearms by a convicted felon.

Manilla, who faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, will be sentenced June 27.