Penalty Phase - Officer Rich May Murder Trial

-59th day of jury trial was completed in Dept. 9, Judge Craig Parsons. The first day of the penalty phase was conducted and the prosecution and defense opening statements were presented (attorney Liberman gave the defense opening remarks). The first day of prosecution evidence was presented and 17 witnesses testified. Evidence of the defendant’s 2002 possession of a semi-automatic handgun and his 2003 pointing a semi-automatic pistol at the PAL Market security officer and threatening to kill him was presented. Evidence of two attacks by the defendant on other jail inmates (murderer Shawn Hedlin and mentally ill Julio Bolanos) was presented as well as the discovery of two jail made weapons (sharpened pen and soap bricks). Three victim impact witnesses (Officer May’s mother, step-father and sister) testified at the end of the afternoon. The trial resumes this morning at 9:15 with further prosecution evidence (12 other victim impact witnesses). The prosecution case should be completed by the end of the morning. [On November 25, 2009 after a total of six hours of deliberation, the jury returned verdicts of guilty Counts I 187(A) first degree murder and II 12021(A)(1) felony possession of a firearm by a felon. The jury also found true the special circumstance that the victim Officer Richard May was murdered while in the lawful performance of his duties.] The defendant remains in custody on no bail status.

You will see no reference to me, Rich's father at the penalty phase of the trial. I am home and back at work. There are 15 relatives, friends, and officer partners providing statements about this amazing police officer. The jury has no chpoice but to come back with the Death Penalty.

www.OfficerRichardMay.org