Edward Buller found guilty of Manslaughter and not Murder

Edward Buller

Late this evening fifty year old Edward Buller was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter for the June twentieth 2009 death of forty-one year old Ella May Pinnance Bennett. The twelve member jury deliberated over four hours before reaching a unanimous verdict. Justice Adolph Lucas has deferred sentencing for September twenty-seventh when mitigation plea will be heard on his behalf. Bennett died from severe brain damage as a result of head injuries caused by a blunt instrument.  Buller denied causing Bennett’s death, however, the court heard that he gave Police a caution statement in which he reportedly said that during an argument on Central American Boulevard, he pushed Bennett and she hit her head when she fell. During the trial there was a voir dire (a trial within a trial) to determine the admissibility of Buller’s caution statement, since he alleged that he was forced to give the incriminating statement. Prosecutor in the case was Shamilla Williams and Attorney Phillip Palacio represented the defense.