Jury Convicts Minn. Woman Of Killing Companion
BEMIDJI, Minn. (AP) -- Jurors have convicted a northern Minnesota woman of first- and second-degree murder for the 2009 shooting death of her partner.
The jury deliberated less than three hours before convicting 26-year-old Betsy Marie Hanks on Tuesday. She was sentenced to life in prison without possibility of release.
Hanks was convicted of killing 27-year-old Matthew Albert -- the father of her four sons -- at the home they shared near Kelliher.
Hanks testified Albert first handled the .22-caliber revolver while in bed, then asked her to put him in a better place.
Prosecutors disputed that Albert was awake before the shooting. They argued that Hanks wanted to be with another man she had met.
The Pioneer reports the defense said Hanks did not have a romantic relationship with the other man.
(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
