The attorney representing a Grove City businessman charged in connection with the bludgeoning death of his wife has asked the courts for a psychiatric evaluation of his client.

Lawyer Martell Harris of Pittsburgh has filed three motions in Mercer County Common Pleas Court on behalf of 58-year-old Randall Harland Leaf, who faces charges of Criminal Homicide and Aggravated Assault.

Leaf allegedly struck his newlywed wife, 53-year-old Gretchen Pallack, over the head with a dumbbell at the apartment they shared over the Superior Bedding store both operated on South Broad Street.

Police found Leaf in the apartment bleeding from lacerations on his wrists and neck that officers believe were self-inflicted.

Leaf told officers that his wife, Gretchen Leaf, was downstairs, where police found her body.

A Motion to Order Preliminary Detention filed by the defense attorney asks the court to transfer Leaf to a psychiatric facility for evaluation and treatment.

Two other motions were filed in the case.  One would require police to give the attorney reports that they have on the case.  A third motion would require investigators to preserve their notes about interactions with Leaf.

Taken to a hospital following his arrest, Leaf has not yet been arraigned in District Court.