Commonwealth v. Groff

CERCONE, Judge:

On September 16,1983 following a trial by jury, appellant Elsworth Leroy Groff was found guilty of first degree murder. Post-trial motions were filed by trial counsel on September 23, 1983. Later on September 7, 1984 supplemental post-triál motions were filed on appellant’s behalf by a new public defender. After a hearing, the lower court denied post-trial motions on December 14, 1984. Then on April 18, 1985 supplemental post-trial motions alleging ineffectiveness of counsel were filed by appointed counsel. An evidentiary hearing on the ineffectiveness claims was held and on…