The Oct. 24 Dispatch headline incorrectly stated that the Colona trio found not guilty of manslaughter were found guilty of “lesser” charges. In fact, they were found guilty of the most serious charge — home invasion — which is a Class X felony punishable by a mandatory prison sentence of six to 30 years.
While causing another person’s death is always a serious matter, “manslaughter” is unintentionally causing a person’s death and is punished much less severly than first-degree murder, which is intentionally causing a person’s death.
Wanting a conviction for home invasion is why the victim’s family and I decided to take this case to trial, even though we knew the evidence was not overwhelming and the witnesses would be reluctant to testify against the defendants, and we got what we wanted.
I appreciate the Dispatch running a story correcting this mistake, but Shane McFalls’ family showed great courage in deciding to risk a trial. They deserve it to be known that they were the winners at trial, not the defendants.
Terry Patton, Henry County State’s Attorney
