Brackenridge man to serve 30 to 60 years for stabbing his neighbor to death

A Brackenridge man will spend 30 to 60 years in prison for stabbing his elderly neighbor to death in December.

Justin Elliott Bartlett, 26, pleaded guilty Monday to third-degree murder in the death of Linda McGinnis, 63, on Dec. 29 in her home.

Bartlett signed a statement admitting to breaking into the victim's Ninth Avenue house, taking a steak knife and using it to kill McGinnis before stealing her car and fleeing to West Virginia.

In a subdued voice in Allegheny County Court, Bartlett pleaded guilty to murder, robbery and burglary.

He didn't make a statement when Judge Edward J. Borkowski gave him the opportunity. Barlett told police at the time of his arrest that he had called McGinnis, his next-door neighbor, “grandma.”

Victim's mom bitterly addresses killer

The victim's mother, Audrey McGinnis told the court that her shy, quiet, friendly daughter liked to read, swim and take care of her beloved dog, Mandy.

“She worked very hard for 43 years and looked forward to retirement,” Audrey McGinnis said. Linda McGinnis had been retired only about a year when she was murdered.

“This has really devastated the family,” McGinnis said.

Audrey McGinnis spoke directly to Bartlett.

“I have a picture in my mind about Linda while she was being killed. Her eyes were wide in horror. Did she know it was you who was causing her pain?” she asked.

She challenged Bartlett: “Each time before you sleep, open your eyes wide and remember what she looked like as you killed her!”

“Now, I only have her ashes and memories,” she said. “I will hate you until the day I die.”

Chuck Biedka is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at 724-226-4711, cbiedka@tribweb.com or via Twitter @ChuckBiedka.