The man accused of fatally stabbing a Penn State student last spring will take the stand today at a hearing to determine whether or not taxpayers will pick up the bill for any assistance his privately-hired legal team may need during his trial.

A motion was filed June 15 by Josephy A. Ventura's attorney requesting, among other things, that Ventura be found indigent.

Ventura, 27, of State College, faces first- and third-degree murder charges in the stabbing death of Penn State senior Michael Donahue.

Donahue, 22, of Drums, was stabbed in the heart Feb. 17. He died in Mount Nittany Medical Center Feb. 19 from a puncture wound to the bottom of his heart. Ventura was arrested the night of the incident and later charged with the murder.

Centre County District Attorney Michael Madeira said Ventura will take the stand today to explain why he can't afford to pay for additional expenses.

The motion states that Ventura is in need of a private investigator, but does not have the money to pay for one.

According to the motion, at the time of Ventura's arrest, he was earning minimum wage and has since lost his only source of income.

Ventura now has less than $100 to his name, not including a vehicle worth less than $500, the motion indicates.

The motion said Ventura's private counsel is currently being paid for by family members who are also unable to pay for a private investigator.

Madeira said he expects Centre County Judge Thomas Kistler to rule in favor of Ventura.

Only the issue of indigence will be ruled on today, although Ventura's lawyer, Joseph Amendola, has filed additional motions including a request for certain statements and some evidence to be thrown out, an out-of-county jury or trial in the case, and a continuance until the October term of court.

Madeira said the other issues will be discussed Aug. 25.