Suspect's Estranged Wife Testifies In Indiana Co. Murder Trial
INDIANA, Pa. (KDKA) -- A trial is now underway in Indiana County for the man accused in the fatal shooting of his estranged father-in-law last summer, while the rest of the family hid in the house.
During opening statements this morning, the prosecution told the jury that this case is not a "who-dun-it," while the defense simply asked the jurors to keep an open mind.
Shaun Fairman is on trial for the murder of his father-in-law, 55-year-old Richard Shotts, last June in Plumville.
Investigators say Shotts was staying at his daughter's home to protect her after she had obtained a protection from abuse order against her estranged husband.
She was the first witness to testify this morning.
According to authorities, she shot Fairman after he killed her father and came upstairs looking for her.
When she shot her estranged husband in the shoulder twice, she said Fairman told her she was going to jail and asked what is going to happen to their four children.
Shotts testified Tuesday that after she shot Fairman, he said, "You're going to jail for shooting me. What's going to happen to the kids now?"
She also testified that Fairman started crying after admitting that he killed her father.
A state trooper also testified that Fairman said he was not supposed to be at the house.
In court, Fairman's attorney said that he needed psychiatric help and Shotts also said she was concerned that Fairman would kill himself.
The District Attorney has decided not to seek the death penalty in the case.
RELATED LINKS:
Indiana Co. Man Accused Of Killing Father-In-Law To Stand Trial (9/14/13)
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