Associated Press
TACOMA — A Washington state judge has overturned the conviction of a man who shot an acquaintance at his doorstep on Halloween.
The Kitsap Sun reported Sunday that Raymond Thomas Short, 69, was convicted of attempted first-degree murder for shooting Robert Roland Sears, 73, in October 2016.
The appellate judge says Short should not have been prevented from elaborating about his fear of the man he shot during testimony.
The newspaper reported that Short was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the shooting at his home.
Short says he felt threatened and intended to fire a warning shot past Sears, but the .22-caliber pistol turned in his hand.
Officials say the bullet went through Sears’ mouth and throat and lodged in his vertebrae.
The prosecutor says his office is reviewing the ruling.
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