KILLINGLY, Conn. (AP) - A Connecticut woman has been found not guilty of manslaughter in her 15-year-old son's overdose death.
Heather Specyalski of Ashford was acquitted Thursday in Danielson Superior Court. The trial began March 11.
Prosecutors said the 42-year-old Specyalski knew her son, Brandon, had consumed alcohol and morphine before he died in 2008, but didn't seek medical attention until she found him unresponsive hours later.
Defense attorney Terry Donovan said she and her co-counsel and husband, Jeremiah Donovan, are "ecstatic" about the jury's verdict.
Specyalski was acquitted nine years ago of manslaughter in a 1999 car crash that killed prominent businessman Neil Esposito. Authorities initially said Specyalski was driving, but her lawyer raised the possibility that Esposito was behind the wheel.
Donovan said Thursday, "We don't think Heather should have been prosecuted this time or the previous time."
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Saturday, May 18 2013 8:06 AM EDT2013-05-18 12:06:18 GMT
Two Metro-North trains collided around 6 p.m. in Fairfield, Conn., in between the Fairfield and Bridgeport stations. At least 60 people have been hurt, the governor said.
Two Metro-North trains collided around 6 p.m. in Fairfield, Conn., in between the Fairfield and Bridgeport stations. At least 60 people have been hurt, the governor said.
Friday, May 17 2013 1:09 PM EDT2013-05-17 17:09:46 GMT
Powerball's estimated jackpot has soared to a record $600 million dollars for Saturday's drawing because of brisk sales across the states involved in the lottery.
Powerball's estimated jackpot has soared to a record $600 million for Saturday's drawing because of brisk sales across the states involved in the lottery. The lump-sum cash value of the jackpot is an estimated $376.9 million.
Friday, May 17 2013 9:35 AM EDT2013-05-17 13:35:33 GMT
Danbury's police chief says four officers have violated the city's police rules governing rudeness and civility during a routine traffic stop and that the matter has been referred to state prosecutors.
Danbury's police chief says four officers have violated the city's police rules governing rudeness and civility during a routine traffic stop and that the matter has been referred to state prosecutors.
Thursday, May 16 2013 2:49 PM EDT2013-05-16 18:49:22 GMT
Powerball's estimated jackpot has soared to $550 Million dollars for Saturday's drawing after none of the tickets sold for the Powerball game Wednesday evening matched all six numbers drawn.
Powerball's estimated jackpot has soared to $550 Million dollars for Saturday's drawing after none of the tickets sold for the Powerball game Wednesday evening matched all six numbers drawn.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 4:39 PM EDT2013-05-15 20:39:19 GMT
Britain's Prince Harry wrapped up a weeklong visit to the U.S. in Greenwich, Conn., where he played in a polo match at a club with a history of hosting royal visitors.
Britain's Prince Harry wrapped up a weeklong visit to the U.S. in Greenwich, Conn., where he played in a polo match at a club with a history of hosting royal visitors.
Sunday, May 12 2013 10:16 PM EDT2013-05-13 02:16:33 GMT
If you haven't played Powerball -- now is a good time. Nobody won the Powerball drawing of $270 million Saturday night, so the jackpot grows to $350 million for Wednesday night's drawing.
If you haven't played Powerball -- now is a good time. Nobody won the Powerball drawing of $270 million Saturday night, so the jackpot grows to $350 million for Wednesday night's drawing.
Tuesday, January 8 2013 5:14 PM EST2013-01-08 22:14:16 GMT
The sound of bells echoed through grief-stricken Newtown, Connecticut, Tuesday. More than 1,000 brightly ornamented bells were hung throughout the town by volunteers.
The sound of bells echoed through grief-stricken Newtown, Connecticut, Tuesday. More than 1,000 brightly ornamented bells were hung throughout the town by volunteers.
