2nd suspect in theft from man dying in Philadelphia hospital waiting room will plead guilty
By APThursday, March 18, 2010
Suspect in theft from dying man to plead guilty
PHILADELPHIA — The attorney for a woman accused of helping to steal a wristwatch from a dying man in a hospital waiting room says his client will plead guilty.
Twenty-one-year-old Jannira Walker is facing theft charges for allegedly stealing a watch off Joaquin (wah-KEEN’) Rivera as he sat motionless in the waiting room of a Philadelphia hospital in November.
Defense attorney Gary Mark Feldman says Walker will plead guilty to theft and be sentenced to probation.
Rivera died of a heart attack. He sat motionless in a chair for nearly an hour before hospital staff checked on him.
Another suspect, 41-year-old Martin Smith, has already pleaded guilty. A third suspect, 44-year-old Richard Alten, did not appear for a hearing Thursday. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.
Information from: The Philadelphia Inquirer, www.philly.com
