VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - 23-year-old Michael Hines, originally charged with second degree murder, has been found guilty of voluntary manslaughter by a jury.
In April of 2015 Hines shot and killed 20-year-old Crystal Stevenson outside a house party in Virginia Beach. His photo was released after he ran from the scene and his father convinced him to turn himself in.
Arrested for second degree murder, the Prosecution had to prove intent to kill. The Defense argued that Hines had no reason to kill Stevenson and that he was acting in self defense, but ultimately the shot was an accident.
The Prosecution brought up that Hines had two prior felony convictions and should not have had a gun in the first place.
After about three hours of deliberation, the jury found Hines guilty of voluntary manslaughter.
Hines' family is relieved but Stevenson's is not. Linda Stevenson told News 3's Rachael Cardin that she has no closure after the death of her daughter.
Related:
Trial begins for man accused of killing 20-year-old woman in Virginia Beach
