Nov 4, 2016 2 min read

A Westmoreland County jury chose Thursday to convict a Monessen man of voluntary manslaughter in the death of his mother’s boyfriend, rejecting a more serious felony first-degree murder rap.

Christopher Allshouse, 42, was charged with the fatal shooting of James T. Ritter, 54, on Feb. 12, 2014, outside the home he and Ritter shared with Linda Craig, Allshouse’s mother.

The couple formerly lived in California Borough, where Ritter was charged in connection with an altercation. Craig testified in court this week that her son may have fired shots at the intoxicated Ritter, who was returning from a party, in an effort to protect her after Ritter threatened to kill Craig. Four shots hit Ritter, and another three were deflected by his clothing.

Ritter was arrested in March 2011 by California police after he allegedly assaulted Craig inside his home in the 1200 block of Zulu Street. Police accused him of pushing Craig down, causing her to land on the back of her head when she fell. He also reportedly stole her prescription medication. Police found that, along with marijuana, in his pockets.

Ritter was charged with simple assault, harassment and possession of marijuana, but the charges were later withdrawn at the magisterial level. No reason was given in an online court docket.

Judge Rita D. Hathaway expects to sentence Allshouse within a few months.