COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — A mid-Missouri man has been convicted of first-degree murder in the killing of his former brother-in-law.
The defense said William Clinch of Hallsville was incapable of the kind of forethought required for a first-degree murder conviction because he was so fearful that his sister's three children were in danger.
But jurors rejected the argument Saturday night in finding Clinch guilty in the September 2007 shooting death of Jeremy Bohannon.
Boone County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Knight said he was pleased with the verdict.
But Public Defender Jennifer Bukowsky said she was disappointed and would appeal.
Clinch's sister, Amanda Clinch, had testified that her ex-husband had repeated mental breakdowns and occasionally inflicted child abuse.
Clinch faces a sentence of life in prison without chance of parole.
The defense said William Clinch of Hallsville was incapable of the kind of forethought required for a first-degree murder conviction because he was so fearful that his sister's three children were in danger.
But jurors rejected the argument Saturday night in finding Clinch guilty in the September 2007 shooting death of Jeremy Bohannon.
Boone County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Knight said he was pleased with the verdict.
But Public Defender Jennifer Bukowsky said she was disappointed and would appeal.
Clinch's sister, Amanda Clinch, had testified that her ex-husband had repeated mental breakdowns and occasionally inflicted child abuse.
Clinch faces a sentence of life in prison without chance of parole.
