Verdict reached in Richard Chrisman trial
Sep 16, 2013, 4:28 PM | Updated: 5:51 pm
PHOENIX — The jury in the case of Richard Chrisman, a former Phoenix police officer accused of killing an unarmed man and his dog, has reached a decision.
The verdict will be read Tuesday at 10 a.m.
The jury deliberated for four days before arriving at a verdict. It is deciding the fate of Chrisman, who faces second-degree murder, aggravated assault and animal cruelty charges.
A court official said Monday that the jury had a verdict on one charge. It was hung on two others.
Chrisman is accused in the fatal October 2010 shootings of 29-year-old Danny Rodriguez and his dog. He said he acted in self-defense.
Chrisman’s partner testified he saw no threat justifying the use of deadly force.
Defense lawyer Craig Mehrens told jurors the partner had fled the trailer home in fear and wasn’t able to see what prompted Chrisman to fire.
Prosecutor Juan Martinez contended the partner did the right thing after witnessing police wrongdoing.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
