Ada Sue Abbott was 25 when she was found dead inside a duplex on West First Street in Davenport, Iowa, on June 22, 2013. She had suffered a fatal gunshot wound and was discovered seated in a chair, prompting a homicide investigation that soon crossed state lines.

Later that morning investigators located 22-year-old A.J. Coats at a trailer park in Milan, Illinois. After a brief standoff he surrendered and was taken into custody. Friends of both Abbott and Coats described them as friends and some suggested the shooting may have been accidental; one account said the gun discharged while Coats was trying to clear a jammed round.

Prosecutors reviewed eyewitness statements and concluded the evidence did not show premeditation, specific intent to kill, or malice aforethought required for murder. The charge was reduced and Coats was indicted on involuntary manslaughter, being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm, and third-degree burglary; he was sentenced to a term of up to twelve years in prison for Abbott’s death.