VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Over three years after the hit-and-run death of a local Navy chief in Virginia Beach, the man behind the wheel was found guilty of the hit-and-run charge, but not guilty of more serious charges.
Joshua Robinson was found guilty of causing injury related to the hit-and-run that ended the life of Navy Chief Petty Officer Tyler Murphy; he was found not guilty of murder and involuntary manslaughter, the Virginia Beach Commonwealth's Attorney's office said.
In 2023, a grand jury indicted Robinson on second-degree murder in connection to the death of the 40-year-old officer.
Police say Murphy and Robinson got into an argument after the two left a bar in Virginia Beach in July 2022. Robinson then hit Murphy with his car. Murphy died in the hospital a day later.
Watch previous coverage: Second-degree murder charges for VB man arrested in Navy chief's death
Robinson was arrested for malicious wounding the day after the incident back, but those charges were not pursued.
Prosecutors then filed the manslaughter and hit-and-run charges against Robinson, and the second-degree murder charge came later after he was indicted by a grand jury.
Robinson’s sentencing is set for May 4.
