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Montco Lawyer Faces 25 Years After Plea In Shooting Death Of Trespassing Hunter

DOYLESTOWN, Pa. (CBS) - A Montgomery County lawyer pleaded "no contest" to manslaughter charges Tuesday in connection with the shooting death of a hunter on his Bucks County property last fall.

The hunter was gunned down with a high-powered rifle (see previous story).

The "no contest" plea from David Manilla means he doesn't admit his guilt but concedes that prosecutors have enough evidence to convict him if the case went to trial.

The 49-year-old Worcester man did plead guilty to two firearms charges.

Bucks County prosecutor Bob James says Manilla was responsible for killing Barry Groh of Quakertown, Pa. but failed to take responsibility.

"Manilla acted in a very reckless manner and very arrogant manner, and his actions directly resulted in Barry Groh's death," James said.

Defense attorney Keith Williams says his client is very sorry for what happened and thinks it was a tragic accident.

Manilla is a convicted felon who wasn't allowed to have guns. He now faces a maximum of 25 years in jail when he's sentenced in July.

Reported by Brad Segall, KYW Newsradio 1060

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