Maryland Man Found Guilty in Murder of Ex-Girlfriend

Andrew Kugler faces a maximum sentence of life without parole.

The man responsible for the first homicide in Berwyn Heights in 21 years was found guilty Thursday.

Andrew Kugler's ex-girlfriend, 36-year-old Amber Schinault, was found dead in the basement of her Berwyn Heights home on July 22, 2012. Her throat had been slashed.

Schinault had obtained a protective order against Kugler following a dispute that June.

Kugler was arrested and charged with murder less than 24 hours after Schinault's body was found. Police followed him to the College Park Metro station, where they found he had slit his wrists. Kugler was treated at an area hospital and later moved to jail.

Evidence at trial showed that Kugler, depressed from his breakup with Schinault, crawled through a basement window and killed her.

"The breakup of a relationship can be a difficult thing but there is absolutely no excuse for Mr. Kugler's violent response," Prince George's County State's Attorney Angela Alsobrooks said Thursday.

Sentencing is set for August 22. Kugler is facing a maximum sentence of life without parole. 

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