Prosecutors Disappointed With Split Verdict In Mark Kerrigan Trial
WOBURN (CBS) - The not guilty verdict for manslaughter in Mark Kerrigan's trial was surely a disappointment for prosecutors, who pursued the case even though the Kerrigan family insisted Mark was innocent.
Prosecutors had charged Mark Kerrigan with involuntary manslaughter in his 70-year-old father's death. If he was found guilty of that charge, he would have faced a 20-year sentence.
WBZ-TV's Bill Shields reports.
But, what prosecutors got was a conviction on a lesser charge of assault & battery, which carries a maximum 2-and-a-half-year sentence. Kerrigan will be sentenced on Thursday.
Middlesex County District Attorney Gerry Leone spoke to the media soon after the verdict was read.
"This verdict speaks to the actions of an angry, belligerent, highly intoxicated 45-year-old who cared more about his selfish desires than his 70-year-old father," said Leone.
Raw Video of DA Leone's statement:
"We believe that it is the unmistakable truth, and if were it not for the actions of this defendant on that night, his father would not have died in the manner that he did on the floor of their home," Leone added.
