Guilty Verdict in Fenger Beating Case

A jury of nine men and three women on Tuesday evening convicted a man of murder in the second trial related to the beating death of Fenger High School student Derrion Albert.

Twenty-year-old Silvonus Shannon is the first adult to be charged with the teen's death. 

The jury deliberated for a little more than three hours before reaching a decision.  They did not convict him on mob action charges.

Earlier in the day, Shannon took the stand in his own defense and denied kicking the teen or stomping on his head. During his testimony, Shannon said he was sorry for what happened, but said he wasn't part of any mob and he only fought back when he was attacked by Albert and others.       

The beating was captured on video and shows someone hit Albert with a board and Shannon immediately kicking the fallen teen in the head.

When the trial got underway on Monday, prosecutors and defense attorneys clashed over whether Shannon ever struck the Fenger High School honor student.

Shannon is one of five people charged in the beating, which captured international attention. A juvenile has been convicted and is awaiting sentencing. The others are awaiting trial.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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