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Alameda Man Gets 3 Years In Mercy Killing Of Wife

OAKLAND (CBS/AP) -- Authorities say a man who shot and killed his wife inside their East Bay home last year because she suffered from dementia will be sentenced to three years under a plea deal.

The Oakland Tribune reports Tuesday that 73-year-old Jerry Canfield pleaded no contest Friday to voluntary manslaughter in the death of his wife, Joann.

Police say that after Canfield shot his 72-year-old wife in the head at their residence in Alameda he placed roses near her body, then drove to the police station and confessed. Police say he said he wanted to end her suffering.

Authorities say the shooting followed a failed attempt by Canfield to kill his wife with sleeping pills.

The two were married for 37 years.

Attorneys with the Alameda County Public Defender's Office declined to comment on the plea deal.

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