Hunter who shot husband found not guilty

GRAND FALLS-WINDSOR, Newfoundland (AP) — An American woman was found not guilty Friday of criminal negligence causing death in the fatal shooting of her husband while hunting four years ago in central Newfoundland.

Justice Richard LeBlanc of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador said the prosecution failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Mary Beth Harshbarger recklessly breached the standard of care expected by a person in such circumstances.

LeBlanc blamed the shooting on “a constellation of unfortunate facts that reasonably caused Mrs. Harshbarger to believe she was shooting at a bear.”

LeBlanc said Harshbarger was free to return home to rural Meshoppen, Pa.

Harshbarger visibly trembled and then sobbed as the judge read his decision. She did not comment on the ruling to reporters.