York Twp. man gets 20-40 years for killing girlfriend

Elizabeth Evans

May 27, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Seventeen-year-old Anglecia Davis faced her mother's killer Tuesday and asked for answers.

Although she received an apology, she never learned the reason for the murder.

"Basically, I just want to know why, like everyone else," she said. "You were supposed to love us."

Anglecia's mother, 38-year-old Tracey Nicole Green, was fatally shot in the garage of their 700 Highlands Path home in York Township on June 2.

She was killed by her live-in boyfriend, Brian Nathaniel Green, as the two argued, York Area Regional Police said. Brian Green shot Tracey Green six times, then fled the home in his car. He was captured a short time later by officers who had been given a description of the car by Anglecia.

Brian Green, 40,

pleaded guilty Tuesday in York County Court to third-degree murder as part of a negotiated agreement. The deal requires him to spend 20 to 40 years -- the maximum sentence -- in state prison. In exchange, his first-degree murder charge was dropped, senior prosecutor Tim Barker said.

Anglecia was 16 when her mother was murdered, and comforted Tracey Green as the woman lay dying.

"That really screwed me up, to see her laying there," Anglecia said in court.

She also told Brian Green she is sometimes at a loss as to how to help her 10-year-old brother, Jason Linker.

"My mom, she did everything for me," Anglecia said. "I'm only 17. I don't know how to take care of another child."

Both children live with family

members, Barker said.

Brian Green spoke briefly during Tuesday's plea and sentencing hearing, but made no attempt to explain what happened.

"I just want to apologize ... for what took place," he said, most of all to Anglecia and Jason.

Common Pleas Judge John S. Kennedy accepted the plea and handed down the agreed-upon sentence, noting that the prosecution's "impetus ... to be merciful" came from the counselors of the victim's two children, who said avoiding a trial was in the children's best interests.

Barker said that while he believes Brian Green is guilty of first-degree murder -- which carries an automatic life sentence with no possibility of parole -- the 20- to 40-year sentence is acceptable, especially considering the defendant's age.

"That's tantamount to a life sentence," Barker said. "Society is safe, we're able to help the victims, and that's what counts."

Defense attorney Clasina Mahoney said the agreement was good for her client "because ... we couldn't risk a life sentence."

She said her client has been a model prisoner so far, and might someday have a chance at parole.

Mahoney said Brian Green felt very strongly that Anglecia shouldn't have to testify at trial. She also said he feels very guilty about the pain he has caused Anglecia and Jason.

"I think that guilt is worse than any sentence that could've been imposed," she said.

About a dozen family members and friends of Tracey Green were present for Tuesday's hearing, and many of them spoke in open court, including the victim's father.

"I know the state of Pennsylvania is going to judge you today ... but you will be judged again," said Leonard Pindell Sr. of the Baltimore area. "It will be a far greater judgment than this judgment here."

Pindell admonished Brian Green to never forget what he did.

"You left my daughter on the garage floor, bleeding ... in the arms of her daughter," he said.

- Reach Elizabeth Evans at levans@yorkdispatch.com or 505-5429.

Newstex ID: 35306430