TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - A Tampa Bay area shoplifter has been sentenced to five years in prison because a security guard suffered a fatal heart attack while trying to stop the crime.
As part of a deal with Hillsborough County prosecutors, 36-year-old Mervin Bettis pleaded guilty Monday to third-degree murder. He could have received up to 30 years in prison.
Authorities say Bettis tried to steal about $1,100 worth of razor blade cartridges from a Tampa Target in May 2011. Two security guards struggled with Bettis as he tried to flee. Minutes after handcuffing Bettis, one of the guards - 65-year-old Russell Horner - collapsed and later died.
Florida law says a person can be charged with felony murder if a death occurs during the commission of certain felonies.
(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
Rules of Conduct
Welcome to the discussion.
Or, use your linked account: