DELAWARE A Delaware County jury took less than an hour Thursday to return a guilty verdict against a West Side man who robbed and bludgeoned to death a West Side woman he befriended at a church function in 2019. The plan was always to murder Donna Harris to take all of her money. Delaware County Prosecutor Melissa Schiffel said in closing arguments at the end of Justin Eastman s aggravated murder trial in Delaware County Common Pleas Court.
Eastman s decision to testify Wednesday, against the advice of his attorney, opened the 36-year-old West Side resident to questions from the prosecution. He faces the possibility of life in prison with no chance of parole when he is sentenced May 7.
DELAWARE The murder trial for a man accused of robbing and brutally killing a Far West Side woman in 2019 began Wednesday in Delaware County Common Pleas Court with prosecutors painting a callous, planned and panicked attack during opening statements.
Justin L. Eastman, 35, who has been in the Delaware County Jail on $5 million bond, is charged with aggravated murder in the slaying of Donna Harris, 53, on Nov. 20, 2019.
A series of messages between Eastman and his girlfriend before Harris was found is key evidence in both the method and motivation for the slaying, authorities have said.
Eastman reportedly met Harris at a Columbus church function, establishing a friendship with her and her family. At the same time, he was plotting to rob Harris, who had recently received a lump sum Social Security payment, court records and attorneys told jurors.
WEATHER
The rain is here to stay today. Expect the high to hit about 45 degrees under the clouds.
- Advertisement -
NEWS
The Chester County commissioners are exploring options for ways to help residents who have lost family members, loved ones, co-workers or friends in the COVID-19 pandemic, it was announced at a press conference held last week to update the status of the countyâs effort to mitigate the virus spread. At the same time, the commissioners detailed ways in which they hope to make registration for the distribution of COVID vaccines easier and more equitable in the coming weeks.
Judges panel recommends that Pa nix $276 million sale of Delco sewer system to Aqua inquirer.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from inquirer.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.