MANASQUAN — A New Jersey man who claims he accidentally shot and killed his wife during a struggle in their home has been sentenced to 10 years in prison. Alan Stoedter must serve at least 85 percent of the term imposed today before becoming eligible for parole. The 65-year-old Lake Hopatcong resident initially was charged with murder in the...
Alan Stoedter pleaded guilty to reckless manslaughter in the 2005 death of his wife. Today, he was sentenced to 10 years. MANASQUAN — A New Jersey man who claims he accidentally shot and killed his wife during a struggle in their home has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Alan Stoedter must serve at least 85 percent of the term imposed today before becoming eligible for parole.
The 65-year-old Lake Hopatcong resident initially was charged with murder in the December 2005 death of his 43-year-old wife, whose body was found in their Manasquan home.
But he pleaded guilty in February to reckless manslaughter charges in a plea deal with Monmouth County prosecutors.
After the shooting, Stoedter drove to police headquarters and said his house had been ransacked and his wife had been shot. But he later admitted that they had been arguing about their finances.
The Stoedters were married for 16 years.
Previous coverage:
• Manasquan man admits to accidental fatal shooting of wife
• Detectives are permitted to testify about questioning of ex-Manasquan man in wife's slaying