Johns Hopkins Univ. student won’t be charged in samurai sword slaying of unarmed intruder
By Ben Nuckols, APThursday, January 28, 2010
No charge for Md. college student in sword slaying
BALTIMORE — Prosecutors say a Johns Hopkins University student feared for his life when he used a samurai sword to kill an unarmed intruder and they have decided not to file any charges.
Baltimore State’s Attorney Patricia C. Jessamy said Thursday that John Pontolillo will not be charged in the death of career criminal Donald D. Rice.
Jessamy says a review of the evidence and witness interviews shows Pontolillo was justified in striking Rice.
Pontolillo is a 21-year-old junior chemistry major from New Jersey. He killed Rice by creating a huge gash in his chest and nearly severing his left hand.
On the night of the slaying, two laptops and a video game system were stolen from the home Pontolillo shared with three fellow students.
