Jurors convicted an Alabama police officer of murder Friday in the shooting of a suicidal man who was holding a gun to his own head.
The panel reached its verdict in the second day of deliberations in the trial of Huntsville police officer William “Ben” Darby, who was indicted in the killing of Jeffrey Parker in 2018. Talks had to be started over after one member had to be replaced by an alternate because of a medical issue, news outlets reported.
While prosecutors contend Darby, 27, killed Parker without cause, the defense argued the shooting was justified because Parker posed a threat to Darby and other officers.
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Darby was taken into custody after the verdict with bail set at $100,000, news outlets reported. The conviction carries a sentence to 10 years to life.
A city police review cleared Darby of wrongdoing and officials allowed him to remain an officer, with Huntsville taxpayers helping fund his defense against charges brought…