Charge reduced In Poland teen’s shooting death

POLAND — An initial charge of felonious reckless homicide against a Poland man who police say accidentally killed an 18-year-old woman in her home was reduced to a misdemeanor charge of negligent homicide.

The decision to reduce the charge against Daniel A. Buccino, 20, of Pawnee Place in Poland was made today by Poland Township police and Struthers Law Director Carol Clemente-Wagner after the shooting was further investigated, said police Sgt. Gary Abeid.

Struthers Municipal Court has jurisdiction over criminal cases filed in Poland Township.

“Basically, it was an agreement that [the lesser] offense is more appropriate in this matter,” Abeid said.

A conviction on a first-degree misdemeanor carries a maximum sentence of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. A conviction of a third-degree felony has a maximum sentence of five years in jail and a $10,000 fine.

“It was absolutely an accidental event,” Abeid said.

Marissa J. Plakosh of Poland awoke only about five minutes before her life was cut short.

Plakosh, 18, was fatally shot by Buccino in her 2819 Algonquin Drive home by one bullet to her neck about 5:50 a.m. Saturday from a Glock 9 mm semi-automatic pistol.

Buccino is free on $10,000 bond pending Wednesday’s court arraignment.

Buccino and Michael Plakosh, the victim’s 22-year-old brother who resides at the Algonquin Drive home, were up all night when she joined them downstairs shortly after waking up, Abeid said.

“She saw her brother was still visiting with [Buccino] and the accident took place,” he said.

At the time, Buccino and Plakosh’s brother were “handling” the latter’s loaded gun, which was legally purchased and is registered, Abeid said. It fired while in the hands of Buccino killing the Ohio State University freshman, Abeid said.

For the complete story, read Tuesday’s Vindicator or vindy.com