NW Pa. woman convicted of third-degree murder
ERIE (AP) – A northwestern Pennsylvania jury has convicted a woman of third-degree murder in the shooting death of her boyfriend last summer, rejecting defense arguments that the gun went off accidentally.
The Erie Times-News reports that Erie County jurors deliberated for about three hours Wednesday before convicting 29-year-old Kristina Mae Allen of that charge as well as aggravated assault, reckless endangering and a weapons count. She will be sentenced June 11.
Prosecutor Roger Bauer cited conflicting stories Allen gave to police in arguing that she meant to kill 27-year-old Dean Haggerty in the couple’s mobile home in Summit Township in August.
Defense attorney Eric Mikovch argued for a complete acquittal, saying Haggerty pulled out the weapon and his client was trying to take it from him to protect him.