Jurors spent two hours Wednesday arriving at a verdict of guilty but mentally ill in the murder trial of Joshua Ratliff.
The question of guilt was not a significant element in the trial related to the shooting death of 22-year-old Ryan Birse on February 25, 2016. A surveillance video from the KFC-Taco Bell store in Elizabethtown, where both men were employed, clearly showed Ratliff shooting Birse as he attempted to run, then standing over the fallen man to fire eight more bullets.
The question of Ratliff’s mental health, including his competency to stand trial, has been the issue throughout. Circuit Judge Ken Howard twice dismissed defense motions claiming Ratliff was unable to assist in his own defense.
Defense attorney Wesley Durham set the ground work for an insanity defense. Expert witnesses, family members and co-workers were asked about Ratliff’s behavior and mental state.
The verdict was read in court shortly before 6 p.m. Wednesday (3/15). Jurors will resume deliberations in the sentencing phase of the trial at 9 a.m. Thursday. The possible sentences are 20 to 50 years in prison or a life term.
Final sentencing will be up to the judge.
Source: NE
You must be logged in to post a comment.