LITTLE ROCK, AR– Instead of ending in a hung jury, 12 Pulaski County men and women have found Steven Russell guilty of capital murder. Initially, one of the jurors thought Russell was guilty of first degree murder.
He will receive a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
Prosecutors say Russell shot his girlfriend in cold-blooded murder back in November 2009, at a North Little Rock apartment complex because she wanted to leave him after an abusive relationship.
But defense attorneys say Russell suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He went to Iraq in 2003 and lawyers say the terrifying scenes of war led to his actions.
His attorneys say it is clear Russell suffers from a mental disease and his behaviors exemplify all the symptoms.
Russell has 30 days to appeal the verdict.
He will receive a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
Prosecutors say Russell shot his girlfriend in cold-blooded murder back in November 2009, at a North Little Rock apartment complex because she wanted to leave him after an abusive relationship.
But defense attorneys say Russell suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He went to Iraq in 2003 and lawyers say the terrifying scenes of war led to his actions.
His attorneys say it is clear Russell suffers from a mental disease and his behaviors exemplify all the symptoms.
Russell has 30 days to appeal the verdict.
