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Accused court reporter gunman apologizes for slaying

Bobby Kerlik
By Bobby Kerlik
1 Min Read Oct. 22, 2008 | 17 years Ago
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The man accused of firing the shots that struck a popular Allegheny County court reporter told a jury this morning that he was shooting at a red sport utility vehicle when he missed.

"I feel bad. I'm sorry. If I would have seen her before the gun (in the SUV), I would have taken my chances running," Jayquon Massey, 19, testified in his own defense.

Massey is charged with homicide for shooting Cheryl Wilds, 47, on Nov. 21 as she carried her Thanksgiving groceries home in her Perry North neighborhood. She died Feb. 27 from her injuries.

Massey testified for more than an hour before a packed courtroom of court reporters, courthouse staff, building guards, family and friends. Wilds was Massey's great aunt.

Massey will be cross-examined this afternoon.

His attorney, Noah Geary, told the jury that Massey fired in self-defense and that the shooting was an accident.

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