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STAUNTON, Va. (AP) — A jury says a Virginia man deserves life in prison after convicting him of first-degree murder in the death of his wife, who was poisoned by drinking antifreeze three years ago.
The News Leader reports a jury found 69-year-old David Vatter of Verona guilty this week.
Augusta County Commonwealth's Attorney Tim Martin said evidence showed that David and Shelby Vatter were facing financial difficulties and that David Vatter mistakenly thought his wife had a $70,000 insurance policy.
Shelby Vatter was hospitalized in March 2014 after becoming violently ill, and died three weeks later.
The newspaper reported that David Vatter showed no emotion, just slightly shaking his head when the verdict was read.
Defense attorney Mike Hallahan suggested that Shelby Vatter took her own life by drinking the antifreeze.
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