ATLANTA — A jury has found a man guilty on all counts in a deadly shooting outside a grocery store.
Jurors heard closing arguments Monday from the defendant, Demarius Thompson, who acted as his own attorney. They reached their verdict after two hours of deliberation.
Thompson was sentenced to two concurrent life sentences.
Thompson declined to take the stand in his own defense and testify, where he would have had to face tough questions during cross examination.
[ But because he's representing himself, ]
he gave his own closing arguments. %
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Thompson was on trial for the murder of Joshua Richey, a construction worker and father of four.
Thompson was accused of breaking into Richey’s truck outside the Kroger on Ponce de Leon Avenue in March 2015.
Thompson's defense was that it was a case of mistaken identity.
“It's clear from the evidence that he didn't even have the intent to see Mr. Richey or deal with Mr. Richey,” Thompson said.
He shouted before the jury that the state's case was built on lies, fabrications, and fast talking experts.
“This is a sad situation. Devastating. Joshua Richey did not deserve to die. He has a family, loved one. A wife. They deserve justice, but so do I,” Thompson said.
A second man, Shontavius Chesnut, was also arrested in this case. He's accused of driving the getaway car from scene and is also on trial for murder.
Chestnut was found guilty Monday of aggravated assault and party to the crime. He was sentenced to 42-and-a-half years.
Channel 2’s Tom Regan spoke to the victim’s wife. She says the verdict brings her a bit of relief.
“They took away not only my husband, but my best friend, my soulmate and the father to my daughter… so yes I feel justice was served today,” Cathy Richey said.