An Ontario County jury has found a Geneva man guilty of attempted murder in the shooting of another city resident last year.
Erin Rhynes also was convicted Tuesday of assault, criminal use of a firearm, and criminal possession of a weapon in the April 1, 2018 shooting of Michael Cosentino on Lewis Street in Geneva.
According to statements made during closing arguments by Ontario County First Assistant District Attorney Jason MacBride, who prosecuted the case, Cosentino had to have a portion of his skull removed to relieve the pressure from the lodged bullets, causing swelling. Cosentino spent nearly a month in a medically induced coma. He needs to use a cane to walk, can not remember what high school he went to and, at 30, lives with his parents.
Timetheus Merritt is also charged in the case and is awaiting a separate trial to begin in April. Investigators discovered the weapon, a .25 caliber semi-automatic Lorcin pistol, more commonly known as a “mouse gun” or a “Saturday night special” for its common use in petty crimes.
Read more from the Finger Lakes Times
This content is brought to you by the FingerLakes1.com Team. Support our mission by visiting www.patreon.com/fl1 or learn how you send us your local content here.