San Diego
After hearing four days of closing arguments, a Superior Court jury began deliberations Tuesday in the murder trial of Stacy Butler, a gang member accused of killing San Diego Police Officer Jerry Hartless in 1988.
The jury will be considering a special circumstance allegation that Butler killed an on-duty police officer, which would make him eligible for the death penalty if convicted.
Prosecutors in the case allege that Butler shot Hartless after the officer stopped to question a group of “Syndo mob” gang members who were planning to make a “hit” on a rival gang.
The defense in the case claims that police arrested the wrong man, and that this is supported by conflicting testimony given by some police officers.
The jury will continue deliberations today.
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