Tuesday, Jul. 01, 2008

York woman charged in Monday murder

By Kimberly Dick

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York police have charged a 48-year-old woman with murder after the shooting death of another woman in Cedar Terrace Apartments Monday night.

York Police Chief Bill Mobley said Margie Smith West lives in an East Liberty Street residence where the shooting occurred around 6:30 p.m. Monday.

West told police she shot the woman, Mobley said. Pamela Caines, 54, of Rock Hill died of three gunshot wounds, said York County Deputy Coroner Ev Amick.

Witnesses told police there was an altercation between the two women before the shooting, but Mobley said they are still investigating the circumstances leading up to the shooting.

The two women were acquaintances, Mobley said.

York police were responding to a call of shots fired in that area when someone called 911 and said someone had been shot, Mobley said. When officers arrived a woman was laying the in doorway.

The victim was taken to Piedmont Medical Center, where she died, Mobley said.

West, who is charged with murder and possession of a firearm in the commission of a violent crime, told police she shot the woman. Officers recovered a gun in the residence, Mobley said.

West received medical treatment Monday night for chest pains, Mobley said. She remains in custody at Moss Justice Center where no bond has been set yet.

This is the first homicide in the city of York in 2008, Mobley said.