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Man, 90, gets 4 years in wife’s ‘mercy’ killing

ELYRIA, Ohio (AP) — A 90-year-old Ohio man has been sentenced to four years in prison for killing his wife of 65 years — but he could be released after serving six months.

Robert Shaw from the Cleveland suburb of Avon was originally charged with aggravated murder for smothering his 84-year-old wife, Virginia, in November 2008. He pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in June as part of a plea deal.

Shaw’s daughter thanked prosecutors and the Lorain County judge during a hearing Monday for how they treated their father.

Shaw’s attorney had said his client killed his sick wife to end her suffering caused by medical problems. The attorney said Monday his client accepts responsibilities for his actions and is at peace with the sentence.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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