Burglar Convicted In Woman’s Heart Attack Death

A homeless man was convicted of manslaughter by a Lafayette jury in the death of an elderly woman who suffered a fatal heart attack during a burglary of her home back in 1999.

46-year-old Willie Robertson had been charged with second-degree murder and faced up to life in prison without parole, but Judge Glennon Everett allowed the jurors in the case to consider lesser charges.

The jury deliberated for 2 and a half hours before they returned with the guilty verdict.

A sentencing date has not yet been set and Assistant District Attorney Roger Hamilton says he plans to make a sentencing recommendation of 40 years in jail.

Irene Schoofs, the victim, lived by herself.  She was returning to her home in October of 1999 after a shopping trip, and she died of a heart attack when she found Robertson in her home.