UPPER MARLBORO, Md. -- The suspect in the stray-bullet slaying of a Lanham woman was found guilty Thursday of involuntary manslaughter and use of a handgun during the commission of a felony.
The jury could have convicted Robert Washington Francis, 20, of a second-degree murder charge.
Theodora Summers, 40, was in her second-story bedroom in her home in the 6700 block of 96th Avenue in March 2007 when a stray bullet came through the window and struck her. She was killed instantly, police said.
People were standing in a driveway in the neighborhood when shots were fired from a passing vehicle, striking a 24-year-old man in the hip, police said. The shooting was the result of an ongoing dispute.
While detectives investigated, Summers' sister told police that Summers did not show up at work. Officers went to Summers' home and found her dead.
Francis also was convicted of charges in connection with the shooting of the 24-year-old man.
Francis is facing two life sentences plus 50 years. Sentencing was scheduled for next month.
