Businessman pleads guilty in death of NBCUniversal executive
A Porter Ranch businessman pleaded guilty Wednesday to involuntary manslaughter in the shooting death of an NBCUniversal executive at the defendant’s home.
David Andrew Armstrong made the plea before San Fernando Superior Court Judge Beverly O’Connell during a scheduled hearing in the case.
He faces probation to 14 years in prison when he is sentenced Nov. 30.
Armstrong is accused of fatally shooting Brian Russell Kaplon in the chest with an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle during a gathering on St. Patrick’s Day this year at Armstrong’s home in a gated community in Porter Ranch.
Authorities said Armstrong was showing Kaplon the rifle in the garage of Armstrong’s home when the weapon discharged. Armstrong was arrested after allegedly making conflicting statements about the shooting.
Jim Blatt, Armstrong’s lawyer, had argued the shooting was a tragic accident involving two friends. He said they had been drinking and laughing before the shooting and there was no sign of “a disagreement or anger.” Continue reading
