Verdict in on 1 of 2 Tried in Police Beating

Jurors reached a verdict Saturday for one of two former police officers accused in the beating death of Malice Green, but their decision was sealed until a second jury reaches its decision.

“This is it,” the forewoman for Walter Budzyn’s jury said before handing a sealed white envelope to Judge George Crockett III.

The verdict in the second-degree murder trial came during the eighth day of deliberations--one day after loud, angry voices were heard from the jury room.

Crockett’s clerk asked each juror, “Is this and was this your verdict?” One hesitated and looked away before answering “Yes.” The rest responded promptly; a few glanced briefly at Budzyn before looking away.

Earlier Saturday, the jury hearing the case against Budzyn’s former partner, Larry Nevers, asked Crockett for the flashlight that Nevers allegedly used to hit Green in the head during the fatal November struggle in a car parked outside a crack house.

The jury also asked for and received a clarification of the elements of second-degree murder.

Late Saturday, the jury recessed without reaching a verdict. Deliberations are to resume Monday.

The juries sat side by side during the 11-week trial, and were split up when deliberations began. Both men face life in prison if convicted.