The attorney for a man accused of fatally stabbing a Penn State senior in February 2006 at a State College nightclub was granted less than half the amount he requested from the county to aid in the payment of three expert witnesses.

Defendant Josephy A. Ventura's lawyer, Joseph Amendola, said a Centre County judge decided Ventura would receive $8,500 out of the $20,000 requested to hire a video enhancement expert, a psychologist and a forensic pathologist.

The court determined in August that Ventura was unable to foot expenses related to his case and the county would provide that money to him.

Amendola said he was "satisfied" with the allocated money and hopes it will be enough to accommodate the necessary experts. The psychologist indicated that he will take the job at the lower pay, but the other two have not responded yet, he added.

Ventura, 28, is charged with first- and third-degree murder for allegedly stabbing Michael Donahue, 22, on Feb. 17, 2006, at Club Love, 129 1/2 S. Pugh St., which is now fLulu's Nightspot. Donahue died two days later from a puncture wound to the heart.

Centre County District Attorney Michael Madeira said he supports the request for money as long as it is "reasonable."

"I have to let the defense explore arguable possibilities before the trial ... then it won't come back in appeals and cost us that much money and more," Madeira said.

Amendola was given permission last week to hire the experts, which he said may show Ventura acted in self-defense.

"The evidence could show [Ventura's actions] were in reasonable defense, and it could be a complete defense to all criminal charges," he said. "And even if it shows he acted unreasonably, the reports could reduce the murder charges to voluntary manslaughter."

The video expert will be used to enhance the clarity of the surveillance tape that shows the incident, Amendola said.

"The current film doesn't show exactly what transpired right before and after the stabbing," he said. "You can see that there are various verbal arguments, but you can't see details."

Amendola added that he thinks the tape may show Ventura responding in a "defensive posture with Donahue as the aggressor."

The psychologist will interview Ventura to determine if he was acting out of "fear or passion" when the incident occurred, Amendola said. Passion could be a factor because Ventura said he saw his girlfriend hit by another man as he was walking toward her, Amendola added. Authorities have not determined who hit the woman or whether she had been hit at all.

Lastly, the forensic pathologist will examine medical reports, the autopsy and X-rays to form an opinion on whether or not the puncture wound Donahue suffered is a defensive or offensive wound.

Ventura's trial is tentatively set for June 11 with jury selection on June 5.