by AnnGardner Eubank
HEATHSVILLE— After less than 45 minutes of testimony and discussion on Monday, February 28, Northumberland County Circuit Court Judge R. Michael McKenney found Jason Kyle Roberts of Callao, 44, guilty of second degree murder in the fatal stabbing of his girlfriend, Amber Guthrie.
After nearly two-and-a-half years awaiting trial, her family now has a level of closure following Guthrie’s September 21, 2019, death.
Guthrie and Roberts, originally from Newport, N.C., had relocated to Callao several months prior for Roberts’ work as a lineman.
After originally being charged with first degree murder, an amended indictment was issued for murder in the second degree, to which Roberts pleaded guilty. Because of his plea, Roberts waved his right to a trial by jury as well as his right to appeal the court’s decision.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Jane B. Wrightson provided the court a summary of events from the night of the murder as evidence. According to Wrightson, Deputy Keith Lewis responded to a report of domestic violence shortly after midnight….
