By SASKIA NEWTON
A Brooklyn woman accused of killing her boyfriend in an argument over beer was found guilty of manslaughter in the second degree in Brooklyn Supreme Court on Thursday.
The tension was felt in the courtroom as the verdict was being read, causing Latrina Crocker, 47, to break down in tears. She gripped her bible while tears streamed down her face. An unidentified family member of the defendant stormed out of the courtroom mumbling and shaking his head after she was taken into custody.
Prosecutors said Crocker stabbed Michael Artist in the heart with a steak knife after he tried to drink her beer. Crocker and Artist were dating on and off for two years and had a very toxic relationship.
On the night of the incident Crocker testified she was at a friend’s birthday party around the block where she consumed two six packs of Old English mixed with Hennessy. While walking home drunk she stopped at a deli and purchased more beer.
Crocker also admitted on the witness stand to being an alcoholic and said she used to drink a six pack almost every day.
After the verdict the defense attorney Julie Clark asked the judge for time to work on a motion, where she wants to include Crocker’s medical records.
Sentencing was scheduled for October 21st.
“It is finished,” said Assistant DA Ada Erskine as she walked over to an unidentified family member of the victim and shook her hand.
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