McClelland Found Guilty Of Second-Degree Murder
WASHINGTON, Pa. (KDKA) -- Former police officer, David J. McClelland has been found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of an elderly neighbor.
He is also convicted of dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, conspiracy and receiving stolen property.
The jury heard final instructions on the law from the presiding judge this morning, and deliberations got underway just after noon.
During closing arguments, defense attorney Josh Camson told the jury his client is only guilty of receiving stolen property and had nothing to do with the plotting and scheming of his father and stepmother in the theft of 92-year-old Evelyn Stepko's money and her eventual murder.
"It's about receiving stolen property," said Camson. "It's a receiving stolen property case. It's not a homicide case. It's not a conspiracy case."
But prosecutor Michael Lucas countered that once the money from the elderly neighbor's began to flow to the McClelland family, the conspiracy continued.
"He's doing exactly what a co-conspirator would do. He's taking the money. A few days after the first burglary they all have a big celebration at the Meadows at Evelyn's expense. That's the conduct and acts of a corrupt organization," said Lucas.
"What makes it worse is he should have known better. He's not some foolish kid. He's a trained police officer… he lies, he denies and gives false alibis," the prosecutor told the jury.
RELATED LINKS:
Video Interrogation Played For Jury In Elderly Woman's Death (4/8/13)
More News on Evelyn Stepko's Death
More Washington County News
