Dorchester Woman Convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter

Verna Sewell, a 65-year-old Dorchester woman, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in Suffolk Superior Court yesterday, according to the Boston Globe. The case arose out of the May 2009 stabbing death of 74-year-old Julius Scott, who shared an apartment with Sewell. She will be sentenced tomorrow.

Police were informed of the stabbing when Scott called 911 and said that he had been stabbed “in the heart” by a woman who then left his apartment. By the time police arrived, Scott was dead, but a bloody knife was recovered at the scene. Police found Sewell, who fit the description of the woman living with Scott, at a bus stop with blood on her clothing. She told them that there was a struggle when he attacked her with the knife and that Scott was stabbed in the course that struggle.

The Boston Globe: Dorchester woman found guilty in roommate’s death

The DA’s office told the Globe that there was no sign of a struggle. Sewell had been indicted on a charge of second-degree murder. Involuntary manslaughter is killing caused unintentionally during the commission of wanton or reckless conduct or during the commission of a battery whereas second degree murder is a killing with malice aforethought (but without deliberate premeditation). While all homicide crimes are serious, the former is less serious than the latter.

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The defense team at Altman & Altman, LLP has decades of practice in dealing with homicide cases. If you think that you might be suspected of taking the life of another person, the stakes are as high as they get and it is imperative to speak with a defense lawyer. Contact us for a free consultation or call us at 617.492.3000 to see how we can help you.

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