New Bedford Man Sentenced In Manslaughter Case

A 51-year old New Bedford man was sentenced Monday to 4 1/2 to six years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter, larceny and other charges in the death of his former girlfriend.

Christopher Anderson admitted to providing crack cocaine and heroin to 46 year old Venus Chumack on the night of February 12, 2011. Chumack at the time was caring for her two year old granddaughter, who was asleep in another room. Chumack later overdosed and died. Police say Anderson stole several items from the victim's apartment, then left without locking the door. Chumack's body was found the next day.

Anderson was charged two days later after police traced cell phone messages between Anderson and the victim. The trial was set to begin on Monday, but Anderson decided to plead guilty to all charges