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Wife Charged With Manslaughter In Man's Suicide
Prosecutors: Woman Put Gun On Couch; Man Shot Himself

POSTED: Wednesday, September 15, 2010

MIAMI -- A Cutler Bay woman faces a manslaughter charge after she handed her husband a gun when he said he wanted to die, and he shot himself, according to prosecutors.

Valerie Jenkins pleaded not guilty Wednesday morning to one count of manslaughter with a deadly weapon in the May 2009 death of her husband, Robert Jenkins.

Prosecutors said Valerie and Robert Jenkins were arguing when he requested a pistol, and she put it on the sofa beside him. The man picked up the gun and shot himself in the head, according to police.

According to prosecutors, Robert Jenkins had made several comments in the past about killing himself.

The Miami-Dade County medical examiner deemed Robert Jenkins' death a suicide.

"I don't believe the state has a well founded basis to bring those charges," said defense attorney James Best. "Then again, I'm not sure they realize the history behind this incident. He abused her emotionally as well as physically, and the result was this tragic event with her ex-husband. But frankly, it was brought on by him and nobody else."

The case is expected to go to trial later in the year. Valerie Jenkins is scheduled to return before the judge by Nov. 15.

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