Austin Myers guilty of all counts in murder trial, eligible for death penalty
LEBANON, Ohio — A jury has found Austin Myers guilty on all counts in the murder of Justin Back in Warren County.
Myers, 19, was found guilty of aggravated murder, aggravated murder with specifications, kidnapping, aggravated burglary, aggravated robbery, theft of a firearm, tampering with evidence, safe cracking and abuse of a corpse.
Justin Back was killed during a burglary in Wayne Township in January.
Two men were charged in the case. Myers' trial concluded Wednesday. He faces the possibility of the death penalty.
Timothy Mosley was also facing the death penalty, but agreed to testify against Myers in order to avoid the death penalty.
Myers’ attorney didn't call any witnesses and rested his case Wednesday morning. Myers sat emotionless with his arms crossed in court as the verdict was read.
Assistant prosecutor John Arnold began his closing argument against Myers, saying "He chose to kill."
"He selected Justin as his target and he carried out his plan. That's why we're here today," Arnold said.
But Myers' attorney called Mosley a liar and said "Timmy (Mosley) has a reason to save his own skin at this point."
Jurors deliberated for about five hours Wednesday afternoon and declined to have dinner brought in.
The jury asked for clarification on three counts.
The judge told the jury to take a few days off and the trial would continue with the sentencing portion on Monday morning.
The jury can sentence Myers to three sentences of life in prison or the death penalty.
The sentencing portion could take up to two days.
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