Defense: Slaying of ex-boyfriend was accident

By: Associated Press//March 22, 2011//

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SPARTA, Wis. (AP) — The defense attorney for the Illinois woman accused of killing her ex-boyfriend over his new relationship says the fatal shooting in Monroe County was an accident.

Prosecutors contend 47-year-old Tammy Cole shot Vance Evans in the head last April because she was jealous of his new girlfriend. But, defense attorney Kristine Peshek argued Monday in Monroe County Circuit Court that the gunshot’s trajectory shows the 53-year-old Evans wasn’t executed.

District Attorney Dan Cary told jurors Cole killed Evans, then lit a candle in his home while natural gas hissed from a broken stove pipe. The La Crosse Tribune says Evans’ new girlfriend, Mary Mclain, said she discovered his body on the living room floor and smelled gas as she entered the house.

Testimony should resume Tuesday.

Information from: La Crosse Tribune, http://www.lacrossetribune.com

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