NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — The trial for the man accused of shooting and killing a beloved Norfolk teacher was scheduled to start Tuesday morning with jury selection. Instead, Edward Shaw entered a guilty plea.
Police say Shaw shot and killed Caroline Hendrix in a case of mistaken identity. Shaw was facing charges of first-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.
10 On Your Side’s Aesia Toliver was in the courtroom Tuesday morning and reports that Shaw pleaded guilty to second degree murder and the firearm charge.
In court, the prosecutor said he felt this was a first degree murder case, but Hendrix’s family and attorneys agreed accepting the plea deal was best.
His sentencing date is now scheduled for January 16.
Shaw could face up to 43 years in prison.
The other person charged in this case is Teniqu Cushman.
Investigators say both Edward Shaw and Alex Novak were romantically involved with Cushman. Prosecutors say Cushman complained about Novak to Shaw and told Shaw that Novak needed to be “taught a lesson.”
On New Year’s Eve 2017, Shaw attempted to shoot Novak. Instead, he shot and killed Novak’s girlfriend, Caroline Hendrix. Novak returned fire, hitting Shaw.
Chesapeake police then found Shaw in his car with gunshot wounds. He told police it was from a road rage incident, but that story didn’t hold up.
Cushman is facing one count of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. She’s due back in court next month.