DA: Man shot uncle at least 20 times with rifle

NEW CASTLE (AP) — A prosecutor says a western Pennsylvania man unloaded a 30-bullet magazine when he shot his uncle with an AR-15 rifle, killing the man with at least 20 shots.

The New Castle News says a criminal complaint indicates 20-year-old Takeo Cox told police he shot the victim — 26-year-old Victor Ward — in self-defense. But police have determined that scenario doesn’t jibe with evidence found at the scene.

Cox’s defense attorney says he’s still investigating the allegations. Cox remains jailed.

Lawrence County District Attorney Joshua Lamancusa tells the newspaper he’ll pursue the death penalty given the excessive number of shots involved.

New Castle police say Cox shot Ward inside a home about 2 a.m. Monday, hid the gun in some nearby woods, then surrendered to police a couple hours later.