UVA Lacrosse Murder Verdict
By: Big 2 News Staff
Updated: February 23, 2012
After ten days of trial and nearly 60 witnesses a verdict is in the
University of Virginia lacrosse murder trial.
It took nine hours of deliberation for a jury to find George Huguely of two of the six counts against him.
The former University of Virginia lacrosse player was convicted of second-degree murder and larceny in connection with the death of his ex-girlfriend, Yeardley Love.
Love was found dead in her off-campus apartment in may of 2010.
Prosecutors say Huguely beat her to death in a drunken jealous rage. Huguely's attorneys admitted his actions played a role in Love's death, but argued he didn't intend to kill her.
His attorneys wanted a lesser involuntary manslaughter conviction. "We are of course disappointed with the verdict. But we've been proud to represent George in his fight for fairness over the years... He's hopeful. He's spiritual. And we look forward to some correction on what happened here tonight."
Prosecutors wanted the jury to convict Huguely of first degree murder, which would have come with a possible life sentence. Instead, the jury recommended a 26 year prison sentence.
Huguely's sentencing is scheduled for April 16th. A judge will have the option of accepting the jury's recommendation or imposing a lesser sentence.
It took nine hours of deliberation for a jury to find George Huguely of two of the six counts against him.
The former University of Virginia lacrosse player was convicted of second-degree murder and larceny in connection with the death of his ex-girlfriend, Yeardley Love.
Love was found dead in her off-campus apartment in may of 2010.
Prosecutors say Huguely beat her to death in a drunken jealous rage. Huguely's attorneys admitted his actions played a role in Love's death, but argued he didn't intend to kill her.
His attorneys wanted a lesser involuntary manslaughter conviction. "We are of course disappointed with the verdict. But we've been proud to represent George in his fight for fairness over the years... He's hopeful. He's spiritual. And we look forward to some correction on what happened here tonight."
Prosecutors wanted the jury to convict Huguely of first degree murder, which would have come with a possible life sentence. Instead, the jury recommended a 26 year prison sentence.
Huguely's sentencing is scheduled for April 16th. A judge will have the option of accepting the jury's recommendation or imposing a lesser sentence.
