Woman’s Attorney Says Love Triangle Led To Shooting

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — The lawyer for a western New York woman charged with a fatal New Year's Day shooting says it was a crime of passion sparked by a love triangle.

Nadiyah Whitaker of the Buffalo suburb of Cheektowaga (cheek-toh-WAH'-gah) pleaded not guilty in Erie County Court Wednesday to murder and weapons charges.

The 31-year-old is charged with killing 30-year-old Shanna Mason, a mother of three, on a Buffalo street.

Whitaker's attorney, Thomas Eoannou (ee-oo-AH'-noo), told reporters that Whitaker and Mason were involved in a love triangle and that the shooting occurred the day after a marriage license was issued. He declined to say who received it.

The lawyer says he's considering an extreme emotional disturbance defense.

Prosecutors say a video camera captured Whitaker firing multiple shots into the victim's head and shoulder.