Closing arguments are expected in Tucson, Ariz., this week in the trial of Lonie Swartz, charged in the 2012 fatal shooting 16-year-old Jose Antonio Elena Rodriguez across the Mexican border.
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Jurors in the trial of a U.S. Border Patrol agent charged with second-degree murder for shooting into Mexico and killing a teenager who had been throwing rocks across the border have been told they can consider a lesser charge against him when deciding their verdict.
District Judge Raner Collins told the jury they can downgrade the charge against agent Lonnie Swartz to voluntary or involuntary manslaughter after they begin deliberations at the U.S. District Court in Tucson Tuesday morning. Collins delivered his instructions late Monday after closing arguments.
Defense attorneys say Swartz was justified to use lethal force and fired in self-defense.
Source: seattletimes.com with information from Associated Press
