Murder trial begins for defendant, 74, already once convicted in 1966 police officer shooting
By APMonday, May 17, 2010
Murder trial begins in 1966 Pa. police shooting
PHILADELPHIA — A 74-year-old man who served nearly 20 years in prison for shooting a Philadelphia police officer in 1966 is on trial for murder in the same case.
William Barnes shot and paralyzed Officer Walter Barclay during a burglary in Philadelphia on November 27, 1966. Back then, he was convicted of attempted murder.
After Barclay died in 2007, a medical examiner ruled that he succumbed to an infection caused by the 41-year-old gunshot wounds. That prompted prosecutors to charge Barnes with murder.
Assistant District Attorney Bridget Kirn told jurors during opening statements that Barclay began a “slow, painful, miserable march to death” when Barnes shot him.
Defense attorney Sam Silver says Barclay was in car accidents and that later injuries contributed to his death.
Tags: Law Enforcement, North America, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Police, United States, Violent Crime