Terry Sturgis has been found guilty of killing his 10-year-old son, Tramelle. Sturgis was convicted 14 counts relating to the death of his son, Tramelle, and the battery of two other sons.
Four hours, that's how long it took for the jury to find Terry Sturgis guilty on 14 counts. Over the sounds of crying the judge read the verdict. Guilty of murder, guilty of nine counts of battery, guilty of two counts of criminal confinement, and guilty of two counts of neglect of a dependent.
Defense Attorney Jeff Kimmel said, "don't agree with all the verdicts but I can certainly understand why they would come down the way that they would."
After the verdicts Tramelle Sturgis's mother and her family walked out in tears. "They are very very happy, very emotional right now," said Prosecuting attorney Joel Gabrielse. The family want to talk to the media on camera but the prosecution called the verdict a big victory. "This is a good day for the community," said Gabrielse.
Terry Sturgis showed no emotion walking out of the courtroom. His attorney, Jeff Kimmell, says there will be an appeal. "In a case like this there's always an appeal," said Kimmell.
Before reaching their decision the jury heard five days of emotional testimony and viewed some graphic pictures of Tramelle's injuries. The trial started Thursday May 17th with opening statements and testimony. Testimony continued until Wednesday May 23rd. The prosecution rested their case on the 23rd after calling several witnesses. The defense called no witnesses and also rested their case on the 23rd after submitting one piece of evidence.
Now that Terry Sturgis has been convicted the focus will shift to his mother, Dellia Castille. She's charged with neglecting Tramelle. She is scheduled to go to trial June 18th. And just days after her trial begins Terry Sturgis will be sentenced for Tramelle's murder and the other 13 charges. The judge scheduled that sentencing for June 21st. He will continue to be held without bond.
