Family Torn Over Man's Murder Charges In Cousin's Death

By: Phil Pendelton

Updated: Wed 7:51 PM, Nov 15, 2006

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Man Charged In Cousin's Murder

So far no bond has been set for Edward Bryan Whitaker. Police say he murdered his cousin, Benjamin Gilbert, but the families of both are giving two different accounts of what happened.

Whitaker's mother said Tuesday night that the shooting was an accident. She said her son didn't mean to kill Gilbert, but Gilbert's family has a much different account.

Some of the family members say they saw Whitaker kick in the door and then fire the gun that would end Gilbert's life. Gilbert's mother says her son had severe liver problems and that he required more than 30 units of blood, but he still died.

Whitaker is due in court next Tuesday for a preliminary hearing.

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