JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Jacksonville man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for a robbery that left his accomplice dead.
A Duval County judge sentenced 32-year-old Patrick Lee Smith on Thursday. He had pleaded guilty to murder in March, but the charge was reduced to manslaughter at his sentencing. The Florida Times-Union (http://bit.ly/J5lTTU) reports that prosecutors weren't sure why the charge was reduced.
Authorities say Smith, George Maxwell III and a third unknown man forced their way into a bedroom at a rooming house in April 2011. Maxwell pointed a rifle at a resident, who drew his own weapon and fatally shot Maxwell.
Under Florida's felony murder law, a person can be charged with murder if anyone, including an accomplice, is killed while he or she is committing a felony.
___
Information from: The Florida Times-Union, jacksonville.com">http://www.jacksonville.com