Chambersburg man charged in death of man with Down syndrome testifies on own behalf

Closing arguments are anticipated Tuesday afternoon in an involuntary manslaughter trial involving the death of a man with Down syndrome.

Joseph Easton, 41, of Chambersburg, testified in his own defense Tuesday morning. He is criminally charged in the September 2010 death of Timothy Smith, who lived in a Guilford Township, Pa., group home.


Smith, 37, died of traumatic asphyxiation after Easton sat on him to restrain him, according to testimony.

Judge Douglas Herman is presiding over the trial in the Franklin County (Pa.) Court of Common Pleas.