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Jurors Considering Death Penalty For Man Convicted In 2013 Washington Co. Murder

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WASHINGTON, Pa. (AP) - Jurors in western Pennsylvania are hearing testimony on whether a man convicted in a slaying six years ago should be executed or spend life in prison without possibility of parole.

The (Washington) Observer-Reporter reports that 24-year-old Brandon Wolowski was convicted of first-degree murder last week in the January 2013 killing of 37-year-old Matthew Mathias during an attempt to steal a gun collection. A 45-year-old woman was wounded.

brandon wolowski
Brandon Wolowski (Photo Credit: Washington County Jail)

Washington County prosecutors cite the second shooting and the slaying's commission during a felony as warranting the death penalty.

The defense argued unsuccessfully during trial that Wolowski, 18 at the time, should have been treated as a juvenile due to alleged fetal alcohol syndrome and a learning disability. A defense attorney also said his client's upbringing included frequent abuse and "numerous" foster homes.

(Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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