Teen-Ager Pleads Guilty in ‘Long Island Lolita’ Case
A teen-ager pleaded guilty Wednesday to a reduced charge of assault for shooting the wife of her alleged lover, and prosecutors said they would turn their attention toward the husband.
Amy Fisher, 18, pleaded guilty to reckless assault, admitting that she shot Mary Jo Buttafuoco on May 19. She claimed the gun went off accidentally when she was using it to strike Mrs. Buttafuoco, who is now paralyzed on the right side of her face and deaf in one ear.
The plea means Fisher is immune from further prosecution and will not have to face a trial in the so-called “Long Island Lolita” case. The charge carries a 5- to 15-year prison term. Sentencing was set for Dec. 1.
Police have said Fisher, who lives with her parents in Merrick on Long Island, shot Mrs. Buttafuoco, 37, out of a jealous obsession for her husband, Joseph. The teen-ager and Buttafuoco allegedly had a yearlong affair, and her lawyer claims that Buttafuoco led her into prostitution. Buttafuoco, 36, denies having an affair with her.
A grand jury will investigate allegations that Buttafuoco was involved in his wife’s shooting.
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