Man convicted of first-degree murder in shooting of defendant outside Mississippi courthouse
A former firefighter accused of fatally shooting a drug case defendant outside a Mississippi courthouse last year, in the presence of the victim’s lawyer, has been convicted of first-degree murder.
In closing arguments, lawyers for William Wells admitted that he killed Kendrick Armond Brown outside the Madison County Courthouse but said their client should not be found guilty of first- or second-degree murder because he lacked requisite intent, WAPT reports.
After his Tuesday conviction, Wells will get a life prison term, the station says.
Earlier Clarion-Ledger and WAPT stories provide more details about the trial.
What motivated the slaying isn’t clear, but news reports have suggested that Wells may have acted in response to the nonfatal shooting of his own mother a short time earlier. She was expected to be a witness against Brown in the drug case.
Related coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Defendant is fatally shot outside courthouse while awaiting hearing with his lawyer”
