Hempfield man denied bond reduction in alleged murder-for-hire case

A Hempfield man accused of trying to hire a hit man to kill his sister in April in a dispute over money and property he expected to inherit will not see his $250,000 bail reduced.

Westmoreland County Judge Scott Mears said during a hearing Monday that the charge against Peter J. Cute, 64, of solicitation to commit homicide was too severe to warrant modifying Cute’s bond.

“It’s a very serious case. It appears to have strong evidence,” Mears said, noting Cute could have high incentives to flee.

Cute, whose significant health issues have left him with swollen legs and in a wheelchair, does not pose a threat, said defense attorney Sarah Reeves. Cute would live in Youngwood with his mother, she said.

Mears noted, however, that his mother has a three-year protection from abuse order against her son. He is not supposed to have contact with other family members.

Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Ranger said she opposed any attempt to reduce Cute’s bond.

Cute is accused of being on a video in the Eat ’n Park in New Stanton, having a kill-for-hire conversation with an undercover police officer from North Huntingdon. The undercover officer told Cute that his sister could be killed the following day, Ranger said.

“His response was, ‘That’s what I want,’ ” Ranger said.

Although Cute has health issues, he is getting good care at the Westmoreland County Prison, even better than when he was free, Ranger said.

“He’s absolutely a danger to the community,” she added.