Benevolent One
Team Owner
Jury Says 'DEATH' For Ashford Thompson
6/11/2010 2:28:20 PM AkronNewsNow.com
Although he shed many tears in court yesterday while on the stand, a jury of eight men and four women gave no sympathy to Ashford Thompson and recommended he be sentenced to death.
Summit County Judge Elinore Marsh Stormer will pronounce the sentence to Thompson on June 23 at 10:30 a.m. The jury's recommendation is just that -- a recommendation. Judge Stormer has the final say on the sentence.
Judge Stormer could sentence Thompson to death, or life in prison without parole, life in prison with parole eligibility after 30 years and life in prison with parole eligibility after 25 years.
Thompson was found guilty to all nine counts against him connected to the death of Twinsburg Police Officer Joshua Miktarian, including two charges of aggravated murder.
Thompson cried several times in court Thursday as he apologized to the Miktarian family for his actions.
The jury deliberated over parts of two days before coming to their decision shortly before 10 a.m.
When Judge Stormer announced the jury's recommendation, Thompson showed no emotion. When he was led from the courtroom by Summit County Sheriff's Deputies, Thompson made no statement to reporters.
In fact, ANN reporter Mike Ward said the courtroom was 'stone silent' after the jury recommendation was announced.
Afterward, members of the Miktarian family hugged outside the courtroom. Twinsburg Police Chief Christopher Noga said the jury returned "the only possible sentence."
In a press release, the department thanked the jury for both their service and their courage saying the group of eight men and four women saw through Thompson's arrogance and witnessed his blatant disregard for the life of their friend, Officer Miktarian. The group is confident that the judge will agree to the recommended death sentence when she hands down her decision.
The Summit County Prosecutor's Office issued the following statement shortly after the verdict was read:
"We believe the jury's recommendation that Ashford Thompson be put to death for killing Officer Miktarian is the right punishment for this cold-blooded murder. Every time an officer puts on that badge he or she may be in harm's way, risking their lives for our safety and protection. Nothing can change the events of that night. A widow grieves, a child longs for her father, parents have buried a son and we join fellow officers who mourn for an outstanding colleague."
Miktarian was shot to death during a routine traffic stop in July of 2008.
6/11/2010 2:28:20 PM AkronNewsNow.com
Although he shed many tears in court yesterday while on the stand, a jury of eight men and four women gave no sympathy to Ashford Thompson and recommended he be sentenced to death.
Summit County Judge Elinore Marsh Stormer will pronounce the sentence to Thompson on June 23 at 10:30 a.m. The jury's recommendation is just that -- a recommendation. Judge Stormer has the final say on the sentence.
Judge Stormer could sentence Thompson to death, or life in prison without parole, life in prison with parole eligibility after 30 years and life in prison with parole eligibility after 25 years.
Thompson was found guilty to all nine counts against him connected to the death of Twinsburg Police Officer Joshua Miktarian, including two charges of aggravated murder.
Thompson cried several times in court Thursday as he apologized to the Miktarian family for his actions.
The jury deliberated over parts of two days before coming to their decision shortly before 10 a.m.
When Judge Stormer announced the jury's recommendation, Thompson showed no emotion. When he was led from the courtroom by Summit County Sheriff's Deputies, Thompson made no statement to reporters.
In fact, ANN reporter Mike Ward said the courtroom was 'stone silent' after the jury recommendation was announced.
Afterward, members of the Miktarian family hugged outside the courtroom. Twinsburg Police Chief Christopher Noga said the jury returned "the only possible sentence."
In a press release, the department thanked the jury for both their service and their courage saying the group of eight men and four women saw through Thompson's arrogance and witnessed his blatant disregard for the life of their friend, Officer Miktarian. The group is confident that the judge will agree to the recommended death sentence when she hands down her decision.
The Summit County Prosecutor's Office issued the following statement shortly after the verdict was read:
"We believe the jury's recommendation that Ashford Thompson be put to death for killing Officer Miktarian is the right punishment for this cold-blooded murder. Every time an officer puts on that badge he or she may be in harm's way, risking their lives for our safety and protection. Nothing can change the events of that night. A widow grieves, a child longs for her father, parents have buried a son and we join fellow officers who mourn for an outstanding colleague."
Miktarian was shot to death during a routine traffic stop in July of 2008.