The jury has reached a verdict in the murder case of Vernell Chatman.

The jury found Chatman guilty of manslaughter and second degree feticide on Monday, April 18.

Chatman, 35, was accused of choking Kayla Jones in November 2019 while she was 8 1/2 months pregnant. He was charged with second-degree murder and first-degree feticide.

Prosecutor Charles Robinson said there was sufficient evidence to support his conviction:

“The most convincing evidence would be his own admission,” Robinson said. “He didn’t give the full truth but he did admit he was the individual in question who did these things to her. And in his statement he said he understands why it looked like he was killing her.”

Defense Attorney Donald Guidry said they will appeal the verdict.

Chatman’s sentencing hearing will take place on July 22, at 8:30 a.m., where he could get up to 40 years for manslaughter and up to 10 years for second degree feticide.

https://www.kplctv.com/2022/04/18/chatman-murder-trial-will-soon-go-jury/