Philadelphia Man, 79, Serving Life Term For Robber's Death Dies
SOMERSET, Pa. (AP) -- State police say a 79-year-old inmate serving a life sentence for fatally shooting a man who robbed him has died of natural causes.
Troopers from the Somerset barracks say 79-year-old Barry Mason died March 30 at the State Correctional Institution-Laurel Highlands in Somerset Township.
On Monday, police announced they have confirmed Mason died of natural causes.
Mason was a tool repairman with no prior criminal record before 19-year-old Jamil Burton of South Philadelphia robbed him in August 2006. Police say Mason's car was stopped at a red light when Burton rode by on his bicycle, reached in and snatched a necklace Mason was wearing on which hung an $18,000 diamond ring.
Mason chased Burton and killed him in a park with a gun Mason was licensed to carry.
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