Not Guilty Verdict in Priest’s Shooting

A jury on Monday acquitted a man of attempted murder and other charges in the shooting of a priest he says abused him nearly a decade ago.

Dontee Stokes, 27, was convicted on three lesser handgun charges for the attack on Father Maurice Blackwell, who was wounded in the hand and hip.

As the verdict was announced, some of Stokes’ relatives gave sighs of relief and Stokes hugged a family member.

During the trial, defense attorney Warren Brown said Stokes was pushed over the edge by the abuse and Blackwell’s refusal to apologize. He said Stokes suffered a “psychotic episode” during the May 13 attack.

Brown had said his client shouldn’t be held criminally responsible for the shooting because he was suffering a mental disorder as a result of the abuse.

The jury also acquitted Stokes of using a handgun to commit a violent crime, the only charge that carried a minimum mandatory sentence. He was also acquitted of assault.

Prosecutor Sylvester Cox told jurors that Stokes’ abuse allegation didn’t justify the attack.

During deliberations, jurors reviewed a videotape of testimony from forensic psychiatrist Michael Spodak, who said Stokes was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder when he shot Blackwell.

Stokes testified that he didn’t intend to harm Blackwell when he confronted him in front of the priest’s house. But he said that when Blackwell brushed him off, memories of abuse flooded back.

Cardinal William Keeler told jurors Thursday that he regretted reinstating Blackwell.

Keeler, who was the bishop in charge of Blackwell at the time of the 1993 allegations, said he decided to send the priest back to St. Edward Roman Catholic Church under certain restrictions after Blackwell spent three months undergoing psychiatric evaluation. The abuse allegations are under investigation. No charges have been filed against the priest.