NJ cousins plead guilty to manslaughter

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) - July 16, 2009 Sean Smith and Gerald Smith, both from Penns Grove, N.J., pleaded guilty Wednesday to manslaughter and weapons charges in the bludgeoning death of Tyrone Cassidy last year.

Each cousin blames the other for the fatal beating and as part of the plea deals, each agreed to testify against the other should the cases have gone to trial.

Sean Smith's attorney said the men went to Wilmington looking for someone to rob, but it was 25-year-old Gerald Smith who pistol whipped Cassidy and went through his pockets. He says 21-year-old Sean Smith is only admitting guilt as an accomplice.

Gerald Smith's attorney says his client blames Sean Smith, but did not offer a detailed account.

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Information from: The (Wilmington, Del.) News Journal, http://www.delawareonline.com

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