Jury Finds Man Accused Of Leading Police On Deadly Chase Guilty

A jury returned a guilty verdict in the trial of a man accused of leading police on a lengthy chase that ended in a deadly crash.

Jerry Newman was found guilty of Murder in the 1st Degree, Larceny of a vehicle, False Impersonation, Leaving the Scene of a Fatal Incident, and Driving Under Suspension.

Closing arguments took a long time Friday as both sides talked about all six of Newman's charges and what his punishment should be.

There was an interesting moment in court, though, when Newman's own attorney asked the jury to check guilty for the murder charge. He said there's really no question that William Bruckman is dead because of Newman's actions.

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Newman's attorney is asking for the jury to give him a chance at parole. His attorney is also asking for not guilty on a couple charges because he said Newman was too intoxicated to knowingly make decisions.

Prosecutors said that's not a good enough reason to say he's not guilty. Newman is on trial for murder after officers say he stole a utility truck and led police on an extensive chase in 2017.

Officers testified Newman eventually got onto Highway 75, going the wrong way, and hit 23-year-old William Bruckman's car head-on, killing him.

Prosecutors asked the jury to give him the maximum punishment on all six charges, which could mean life without parole. Sentencing in the case is scheduled for Oct. 15.