Jury finds Bessman Okafor guilty of 1st-degree murder Okafor accused of killing would-be witness in Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. – The jury has found on Wednesday the man accused of killing a would-be witness guilty of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder.
The jury read the verdict Wednesday afternoon, finding Bessman Okafor guilty of one count of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted first-degree murder.
The prosecution in the Okafor murder trial wrapped up its case Monday after calling a series of expert witnesses, and the defense rested its case Tuesday.
Okafor is accused of shooting three people in 2012, killing 19-year-old Alex Zaldivar. Prosecutors say Okafor did it to keep them from testifying against him in a home invasion trial.
Okafor faces the death penalty. Testimony will continue on Thursday for the penalty phase to determine Okafor's sentence.
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About the Author Cathleigh is a newscast producer and has been with News 6 since 2014. She graduated from the University of North Florida with a degree in communications, with a focus in broadcast journalism. Cathleigh produces the 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. newscasts.
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