Pennsylvania

Homicide Charges Dropped Against Woman in Ex-Lover's Slaying

Prosecutors in western Pennsylvania have withdrawn a criminal homicide charge against a woman accused of having asked a co-worker to beat up a former lover who was later shot to death.

Thirty-year-old Jamie Parker of Wilkinsburg was charged last month in Allegheny County in the Oct. 14 slaying of 44-year-old Leonard Butler.

Authorities alleged that she was angry after learning that Butler had been released from jail without telling her and after finding another woman at his home.

Prosecutors withdrew the homicide charge Friday over what a spokesman called "evidentiary reasons.'' Parker remains charged with conspiring to commit robbery. Two men face charges in the homicide.

Defense attorney Blaine Jones said Parker was happy about the decision because she cared for Butler and was "distraught'' over what happened to him.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us