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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Man convicted of killing Seattle teacher

Associated Press

SEATTLE – A jury has convicted a 55-year-old man of fatally shooting a Seattle teacher on a sidewalk in December.

The Seattle Times reported Richard Roundtree, who also goes by the name Richard Whitaker, was convicted of second-degree murder and unlawful possession of a firearm Thursday.

Roundtree’s attorneys claimed 49-year-old Brent McDonald was acting aggressively so Roundtree shot him to protect himself and his girlfriend.

Prosecutors say video surveillance of the encounter between Roundtree, his girlfriend and McDonald did not show any arguing or fighting before the victim was shot.

Roundtree had been arrested with his girlfriend in connection with the shooting but she was granted immunity in exchange for her testimony against Roundtree.

Prosecutors say Roundtree faces a prison term of 29 to 38 years when he is sentenced in November.