Ex-cop pleads guilty to involuntary manslaughter before murder trial begins

Adam Torres. (Fairfax County, Va., County Department via AP)

A former Fairfax County police officer accused of fatally shooting a man who had his hands up during a 2013 standoff pleaded guilty Monday to involuntary manslaughter, prosecutors said.

The prosecutors noted the former officer was angry about the breakup of his marriage and unfit for duty when he responded to a domestic dispute.

Adam Torres, 33, struck the plea bargain just before his murder trial was scheduled to begin in Fairfax, nearly three years after Torres shot and killed John Geer, 46, of Springfield.

Torres spoke very briefly at the end of the hearing, saying, "I am truly sorry ... There are no words I can say to adequately express my remorse."

Commonwealth's Attorney Ray Morrogh said he agreed to the plea, in part, to spare Geer's daughters from testifying. He said that while Geer's longtime partner, Maura Harrington, supports the plea bargain, Geer's mother does not.

The plea calls for Torres to serve a 12-month sentence. Sentencing is set for June. The judge accepted the deal, but reserved the right to reject it after he reviews a presentence report.