Lawyer: Culp shot wife in face by accident

NEW YORK, May 8 (UPI) -- Thomas Culp's lawyer insists the U.S. man shot his wife Connie in the face by accident and hopes to reunite with her when he gets out of prison.

Connie Culp, who has publicly stated she forgives her husband, underwent the world's first near-total face transplant last December. Thomas Culp is serving a seven-year prison term for attempted murder and is expected to be released in 2011.

Chris Amato, Thomas Culp's attorney, told TV's "Inside Edition" in an interview that aired Friday: "It was an accident. He never intended to hurt her at all."

Amato said Thomas Culp wants to "be with her, yes."

"He still loves her," Amato said.

He also said Thomas Culp is aware of his wife's extensive reconstructive surgery.

"He's happy for her. He told me she looked beautiful, he was glad for her," Amato said.