Trial Begins For Woman Accused Of Fatally Shooting Niece On Wedding Day

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Opening arguments began Tuesday morning in the trial of a bride who's accused of shooting and killing her niece last year on her wedding day in Beaver County.

Police say newlywed Christina George-Harvan, 30, and her niece, 21-year-old Katelyn Francis, were celebrating after the wedding when the two started arguing about who was going to drive home.

According to police, the incident happened on April 24, 2014, around 10 p.m. at Jimmy K's Bar on 11th Avenue in New Brighton.

Investigators say George-Harvan grabbed a gun and it went off. Francis was struck by the shot and died on the way to the hospital.

Defense attorneys say the shooting was an accident.

"Our position from the very beginning is that this was an accident and in her attempts to move the gun, as crazy as it sounds, to create a more safe atmosphere because the intoxication of the driver," said defense attorney Stephen Colafella.

But the assistant district attorney is asking the jury for a third-degree murder conviction, claiming there was malice.

Stay With KDKA.com For More Details

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter

Read more
f

We and our partners use cookies to understand how you use our site, improve your experience and serve you personalized content and advertising. Read about how we use cookies in our cookie policy and how you can control them by clicking Manage Settings. By continuing to use this site, you accept these cookies.