Grandfather of slain teen released from jail
An elderly Connoquenessing man who claims to have accidentally shot and killed his grandson has been released from prison.
Larry Karnes, 76, on March 13 pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter, which is a misdemeanor and the least severe of the homicide offenses. A person commits involuntary manslaughter if another person dies as a result of a “reckless or grossly negligent” act.
As part of his plea arrangement with the Butler County District Attorney's office, Karnes is expected to face incarceration of 1 to 2 years when he is sentenced by Judge Timothy McCune on May 9.
However, as part of the agreement, prosecutors will recommend Karnes be eligible for parole after serving six months in the county prison if he receives no conduct violations at the prison.
Karnes' defense attorney Terri Schultz on Thursday told McCune that her client had six months of jail time credit as of March 29.
Assistant District Attorney Mark Lope, who is prosecuting the case, told the judge the defendant has had no conduct problems while in jail.
The judge, in response, agreed to allow Karnes to leave the prison without posting bond and the defendant was released later that day. He still must return to court for sentencing, and he no longer is permitted to own or possess firearms.
Karnes, who has been described as frail and in poor health, shot his 19-year-old grandson inside the home they shared on Sunset Drive on Sept. 28.
Court records indicate the two had been arguing when the older man picked up his .22-caliber, reportedly to scare his 200-pound grandson.
But instead, the defense alleges, the younger man challenged his grandfather who took a step back, stumbled against the wall, and the gun fired.
Austin Riddell died of a gunshot wound to the chest.
In addition to prison time and parole, the plea arrangement calls for Karnes to spend three years on probation.
