by KYW's Tony Hanson
A 70-year-old center city Philadelphia man has been ordered to stand trial on charges he murdered a teen in early August. The prosecution calls it first-degree murder, but the defense contends the defendant was provoked.
A witness has testified that defendant Barry Mason, in a car, chased and knocked victim Jamil Burton off his bicycle, yelled something about a ring, then shot Burton six times at point-blank range near 11th and Pine Streets.
Mason (above, in police photo) later told police Burton had robbed him, grabbing a ring on a neck chain worth more than $17,000.
Defense attorney Gerald Stein:
"The circumstances show that Mr. Mason was provoked and reacted to the provocation."
But the victim’s family (right), which doesn’t believe Burton robbed Mason, says even if that is true, he didn’t deserve to die:
"I’m the grandmother and I just want justice for this old man who killed my 19-year-old grandson."
The defendant remains in custody.
E-Mail Story
Print Story
