Jury finds man not guilty of killing stepson

The man accused of beating his 2-year-old stepson to death was found guilty of felony child abuse Monday morning.

Dwight Justice was not found guilty of first degree murder.

After the verdict was read, defense attorneys asked for an individual poll of jurors to see if they unanimously agreed with their decision.

Justice could spend as many as 15 years in prison for the child abuse. 

Shortly after the sentence was read, the jury began hearing testimony to decide Justice's sentence. Justice's sister was called to the stand, but a series of objections prevented her from finishing her stestimony. The jury had to decide if the boy's age was an aggravating factor in the case against Justice.

The jury began deliberations late last week.

Thursday the jury returned and asked the judge for a definition of felony murder. That definition was key in Justice’s case because the defense argued that Justice did not murder his stepson, Jeremiah Swafford. According to the defense, the boy’s mother, Kathy Swafford, dealt the blow that killed her son and tried to conceal the crime.

Swafford, who is also charged with murder, is expected to stand trial later this year. 

via wsoctv.com