NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Jurors in the Newport News Courthouse found Vernon Green guilty Thursday for killing Newport News police officer Katie Thyne, 24, during a traffic stop nearly three years ago.
The jury deliberated for two hours before finding Green guilty of hit-and-run and second-degree murder in Thyne’s death.
“They made right decision,” said Thyne’s aunt Cassie Thyne-Fenlon. “He’s guilty for everything.”
Related: Police body camera video shown in trial for man accused of killing Newport News officer
Nearly three years after Thyne’s murder and days of emotional testimony in the trial, her family says the verdict is a step toward closure.
“It will always be a loss for us, and nothing will take that away but knowing he’s locked up for a very, very long time is a good thing,” Thyne-Fenlon said.
Police say officer Thyne was killed while pulling Green over during a traffic stop on Jan. 23, 2020. She died from her injuries after being dragged by Green’s car as he hit the gas and drove away.
Inside the courtroom Thursday, Green took the stand to testify. He said he didn’t intend to kill Thyne but just wanted to get away because he had a gun and knew he wasn’t supposed to due to prior felony convictions.
When Green testified, Thyne's aunt said he didn’t have any guilt.
“I can’t believe a human being can be so cold and he didn’t have an ounce of remorse,” said Thyne-Fenlon. “He ruined so many lives and he didn’t have remorse for it. I don’t understand how a person can do that. She has a little girl and family, and he took that all away and he didn’t seem one bit sorry.”
Green claims he lost control of the car and didn’t know officer Thyne got caught in his door, adding he never got violent with anyone.
Prosecutors argued Green intentionally caused harm to the 24-year-old Navy veteran and mother to a now, 4-year-old little girl named Raegan.
“We wanted justice for Katie and we got that today,” Thyne-Fenlon said.
Green will be sentenced on Feb. 17, 2023, at 9 a.m. He could face up to 40 years for murder.
He’s already serving a 10-year sentence for a federal drug and weapons charge related to that traffic stop.
The high-profile murder trial began on Tuesday with jury selection.
