Justice Bernard Turner sentenced a man to nine years in prison after he pleaded guilty to the reduced charge of manslaughter in the death of a love rival earlier this year.
Chuck Brennen, 44, plea bargained his way to a reduuced charge of manslaughter midway through his murder trial. Brennen was charged in the January 18, 2011 murder of Pedro Williams, who died moments after Brennen used his automobile to intentionally knock Mr Williams off his bicycle at East Street and Sunlight Cottage.
As a result of the plea, Justice Bernard Turner directed the jury to acquit Brennen of murder and return a unanimous guilty verdict for manslaughter.
According to the evidence, Williams, who was married, had previously dated Brennen’s girlfriend and he (Brennen) was annoyed that they still remained friends. Brennen, Williams and the girlfriend argued shortly before he ran over Williams with his Pontiac Sunfire, the court heard.
Pathologist Dr. Caryn Sands said Williams died minutes after the crash from severe injuries to the head and torso.
