Jurors on Friday convicted a Northeast man of third-degree murder charges in the shooting death of a neighbor in a dispute over dog droppings.
Tyrirk Harris, 28, also was convicted of possession of an instrument of a crime.
The jury acquitted Harris of first-degree murder charges and other weapons charges.
He was on trial in Common Pleas Court in connection with the Feb. 14, 2012, slaying of Franklin Santana, 47. Both men lived on the 6500 block of Torresdale Ave. in Tacony.
Police said Harris shot Santana in the face and body after Santana came to his home to complain that Harris had allowed his dog to defecate on Santana’s lawn.
Harris testified that when he answered the door of his home he was wearing a 9mm handgun in a holster. He said Santana lunged for Harris’ gun and the two men struggled.
Harris told the courtroom: “I didn’t intend to kill this man.”
Judge Barbara A, McDermott set sentencing for April 26. ••
Reporter John Loftus can be reached at 215–354–3110 or jloftus@bsmphilly.com
