El Cajon
An El Cajon man acquitted of murdering his girlfriend pleaded guilty Thursday to voluntary manslaughter.
Donald Robert Linstroth, 34, faces a maximum of 10 years in state prison and a fine of $10,000 at his sentencing July 9.
Linstroth was acquitted of first- and second-degree murder in a jury trial March 8, but it deadlocked, 11-1, for a manslaughter conviction.
His girlfriend, Vera Gullick, 25, who lived with him on Rios Canyon Road, was shot in the chest Aug. 12, 1990, with a shotgun.
Deputy Dist. Atty. David Greenberg said the main issue at trial was whether Linstroth committed murder or manslaughter. Linstroth testified that the shotgun went off accidentally.
He was to have a second trial on a manslaughter charge, but entered his guilty plea before Superior Court Judge Fred Link.
He remains in County Jail in lieu of $100,000 bail.
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