Uniontown man convicted of third-degree murder in fatal stabbing
A Fayette County jury convicted Darius Samuel of third-degree murder in the February 2014 stabbing death of Rashaunda Fitzgerald.
Jurors deliberated about 3 1/2 hours before returning with the verdict.
Fitzgerald, 21, of Uniontown died during a fight at the Goal Post Lounge in Fairchance.
Prosecutors had asked jurors to convict Samuel, 24, of Uniontown, of first-degree murder, meaning he killed Fitzgerald with intent and premeditation. Samuel’s attorney asked the panel to consider an involuntary manslaughter verdict, arguing he had no intent to kill her.
Third-degree murder is any type of killing with malice, a legal standard that is necessary for a murder verdict.
State and local police, along with several members of the county sheriff’s department were present when the verdict was read. Family members on both sides of the case were in court today, and tensions have run high at times.
A third-degree murder conviction has a penalty of up to 20 to 40 years in prison. Jurors also convicted Samuel of reckless endangerment and possession of a weapon.