Jury: Spooner did not suffer mental disease when he shot Simmons

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A Milwaukee County jury has reached a verdict in the second phase of the John Spooner murder trial. After less than 15 minutes, it ruled unanimously on Friday, July 19th that Spooner did not suffer from a mental disease or defect when he shot and killed 13-year-old Darius Simmons.

The jury's verdict is what Patricia Larry was waiting to hear. She is the mother of Simmons.

"I want to thank God. And I want to thank Mr Williams. He did a wonderful job and I like to thank the community, family and friends and justice was served," said Larry.

Spooner was accused of confronting Simmons in May 2012 as he was taking out the trash. The entire exchange was captured by a surveillance camera; Spooner's own.

The jury made its decision in part based on testimony of psychiatrists who examined Spooner and in part on Spooner's own testimony. Spooner said he killed Simmons because he believed the teen stole his shotguns and police said there was no evidence.

The jury's decision that Spooner did not suffer from a mental disease at the time of the shooting means Spooner will go to prison instead of a mental institution. He is expected to be sentenced on Monday, July 22nd.