Suffolk DA: Coram Man Convicted Of Manslaughter In Death Of Girlfriend
Central Islip, NY - November 29, 2017 - A Coram man was convicted today of causing the death last year of the mother of his three children during a Central Islip party.
On July 2, 2016, the defendant, Bryan Bethea, 30, lifted the victim, Shantel Scott, 27, off the floor in a bear hug and dropped her to the floor during an argument. When she got off the floor and sat down, Bethea slapped her and Ms. Scott’s head struck a wall.
The victim later went to sleep and did not regain consciousness. Transported in a private vehicle to Southside Hospital, Scott was pronounced dead at local hospital. The victim suffered a fractured skull and internal bleeding.
For his conviction on one charge of second degree manslaughter, Bethea will face a sentence of five to 15 years in state prison on January 10. The jury found Bethea not guilty of first degree manslaughter.
A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.