PHILADELPHIA – An Iraq war veteran who shot a noisy moviegoer in Philadelphia on Christmas 2008 has pleaded guilty to aggravated assault.
Thirty-one-year-old James Cialella could face prison time when he is sentenced in March. He admitted Tuesday that he shot Woffard Lomax Jr. in the arm during a showing of "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" at a movie theater.
Lomax testified during a preliminary hearing that he was scuffling with another man over the noise complaint when Cialella threw popcorn at him before he pulled a gun and fired. Cialella's attorney disputed that claim, saying his client believed he was firing in self-defense after going to break up the fight.
Defense attorney Gregory Pagano says Cialella's handgun was registered in North Carolina.
Pagano says he'll seek probation or house arrest for his client, who spent five months in Iraq with the Army before being honorably discharged.
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Information from: Philadelphia Daily News, http://www.philly.com
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