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Jamestown man found guilty of second-degree murder

Photo by Jordan W. Patterson David Waggoner is seen in court Wednesday as he stands trial for his role in the 2018 shooting of William J. Michishima.

MAYVILLE — A Jamestown man accused of shooting and killing another city resident during an argument last July has been found guilty of second-degree murder.

The verdict was read aloud this morning, a day after receiving instructions by Chautauqua County Court Judge David Foley. The trial went for about two and a half weeks, with District Attorney Patrick Swanson prosecuting and Public Defender Ned Barone representing Waggoner.

The verdict came a day after they began deliberating.

Waggoner is accused of shooting 30-year-old William J. Michishima in front of 114 Livingston Ave. in Jamestown on July 24, 2018. Michishima was taken to an Erie, Pa., hospital where he died the following day.

Barone had maintained that Waggoner’s actions were in response to Michishima’s aggression that led to the shooting. Barone’s opening statement emphasized that Waggoner reacted to a “life and death” situation, and he has continued to push the narrative that Waggoner was left with no other options.

The prosecution rested its case March 19. The defense began calling its witnesses March 21.

Closing statements were made Wednesday morning.

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