In September 2008, a man named Larry Whitfield reportedly broke into the home of Mary Parnell, 79, while Whitfield was fleeing a botched credit-union robbery. That shock caused Parnell to have a heart attack, which killed her, medical experts testified. The verdict was a little funny -- the jury didn't say he killed her, but they did say that his actions caused her death. The Charlotte Observer says that means he'll serve a life sentence.
Hat Tip: Many thanks, cripjak!
I've said before that trials are about which lawyer can tell the best story. How did the prosecution prove the exact time of Parnell's death, the exact times Whitfield was in the house, and the causal relationship of the heart attack to Whitfield.
Posted by: Keith G. in P.V. | Monday, November 23, 2009 at 07:19 AM
Agreed, Keith. That was one kick-butt prosecuter.
It's one of the risks of committing felonies, if someone nearby dies while you're doing it, you may get the blame.
That's one reason why I just work a regular job rather than robbing Credit Unions.
Posted by: Jellybean | Monday, November 23, 2009 at 09:31 AM
Lets see.....his actions caused her to die, he is responsible for his actions, therefore HE is responsible for her death.
How "beat around the bush" does the judicial system have to be? Laws and lawyers are SOOOOO complicated as it is.
Posted by: Pat the Rat | Monday, November 23, 2009 at 09:52 AM
Did you look at the guys mugshot? If he broke into my place he just might scare the hell out of me among other things.
Posted by: cripjak | Monday, November 23, 2009 at 10:10 AM