PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A bicycle deliveryman accused in the stabbing death of a real estate developer during a traffic confrontation in Philadelphia last year has pleaded not guilty.
Opening statements and testimony began Thursday in the trial of 22-year-old Michael White. He’s charged with voluntary manslaughter.
WCAU-TV reports prosecutors say White chose to kill 37-year-old Sean Schellenger over the dispute. Defense attorneys say White acted in self-defense after Schellenger attacked White and used a racist insult.
Jurors were shown video of the attack in court. A medical examiner testified Schellenger died of a single stab wound. She also said his blood alcohol content was more than double the legal limit.
A judge agreed Monday to a request by Philadelphia’s top prosecutor to drop a third-degree murder charge against White. White is also charged with obstruction and tampering.
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Information from: WCAU-TV, http://www.nbc10.com
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