A former handyman has pleaded responsible to third-degree homicide within the demise of a western Pennsylvania lady whose physique was discovered practically a yr after she went lacking in 2019. Douglas Berry, 50, of McKeesport, additionally pleaded responsible to housebreaking, theft and receiving stolen property Monday as a part of an settlement with Allegheny County prosecutors who agreed to suggest a sentence of 17 to 40 years in state jail.
Elizabeth Wiesenfeld, 67, was reported lacking to Whitehall police in April 2019. Stays later recognized as hers have been discovered practically a yr later in a rubbish bag in a piece of Plum Borough identified for unlawful dumping and off-road car use.
Authorities mentioned Wiesenfeld had informed her household she was afraid of Berry, who had been doing work on her home and stored exhibiting up despite the fact that she had stopped hiring him.
Berry informed the courtroom that he needed everybody to know "how sorry I'm for the errors I've made," the Tribune-Overview reported.
"I've discovered to wish for forgiveness," he mentioned. "I apologize to the household for not doing extra, and I apologize to Betsy. I can not transfer mountains."
Police mentioned they linked Berry to the case via Wiesenfeld's stolen ATM card, CBS Pittsburgh experiences.
Since her demise, Wiesenfeld's first grandson has been born and her first granddaughter is ready to reach quickly. Her brother, Christopher Lagi, mentioned in a sufferer impression assertion that "she died on the verge of an awesome outpouring of affection."