Judge Changes Manslaughter Sentence

In response to a prosecutor's challenge, state District Judge Edward D. Rubin has changed Jerry Steinle's three-year suspended manslaughter sentence to one year of home incarceration.

Rubin found the 62-year-old Steinle guilty of manslaughter in August in connection with the December 2009 shooting death of 40-year-old David Trahan.

In a court motion, Prosecutor Keith Stutes argued that people convicted of crimes of violence, such as manslaughter, are to be denied the benefit of suspended sentences.

In response, Rubin altered the sentence Thursday to one year of home incarceration with credit for the 62 days Steinle had previously served.

Steinle's attorney, Thomas E. Guilbeau, said he is appealing the verdict.

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