NORFOLK, Va. — After four hours of deliberation a jury found 21-year-old Ziontay Palmer guilty of 10 crimes related to a mass shooting in Norfolk.
It's been just over two years since five women were shot, three killed and two injured, in Norfolk's Young Terrace neighborhood. The jury trial of defendant Ziontay Palmer began Tuesday.
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Police, parents describe defendant's demeanor after 2021 Norfolk mass shooting
Prosecutors said Palmer, then 19, opened fire in the neighborhood on Nov. 3, 2021 around 6 p.m. before fleeing the area.
Palmer's pregnant girlfriend Angel Legrande and bystander Shazelle Dixon were injured in the shooting. Legrande's mother Nicole Lovewine, Lovewine's partner Detra Brown, and another neighbor, Sarah Costine, were killed.
The loved ones of the victims filled the courtroom during the week. Many breathed a sigh of relief when the guilty verdict came in Friday.
"Finally got what we deserve. Can't ask for nothing better than what it was," one family member told News 3 as she left the courthouse.
"It's a relief. We feel like we can breathe," said Siera Elerson, Sarah Costine's daughter.
"There was not a doubt in my mind that the jury would do the right thing considering the evidence that was presented against the defendant," added Abdul Shavazz, who was a neighbor to victim Sarah Costine and attended same faith group.
The evidence was built out by the commonwealth during the trial. It included graphic security footage of the shooting and physical evidence left at the scene.
"This is one of the most heartbreaking and aggravating crimes we have had in Norfolk over the last 15 or 20 years. Mothers murdered in front of their children. Pregnant women and Good Samaritans murdered and wounded," said Norfolk's Commonwealth's Attorney Ramin Fatehi.
Defense attorney Eric Korslund said the case was heartbreaking for the victims and also the defendant's family.
"Obviously a very tough time for his mom, stepfather. He had a tremendous show of support during the trial. Very graceful," said defense attorney Eric Korslund.
Korslund also spoke to his client's calm demeanor throughout the trial.
"Internally I can't say he's very calm. But he's very collected. Very cooperative. Very polite. People react differently," he added.
The commonwealth plans to ask the judge to sentence Palmer to life in prison.
"Recommending a life sentence is one of the most serious decisions a prosecutor can make. In Norfolk the only person who can make that decision is me. I have only authorized the seeking of a life sentence in two cases since I took office because it should be reserved for the most serious and the most aggravated cases or it loses all meaning. This is one of those two cases," said Fatehi.
It was difficult for many to watch the trial but important.
"We needed to know the whole story. We needed to know every piece. Nothing needed to be left out," said Elerson.
The families are now able to turn their attention to remembering those lost.
"She spoke with a smile. Everyone who knew her absolutely loves her. I have never seen her upset no matter what she went through in life. She had five beautiful children who love and miss her very much," said Shavazz about Sarah Costine.
"I just want [my mom] to know I love her and I will keep pursing my dreams," said 15-year-old Malachi Costine, son of Sarah Costine.
Palmer's set to be sentenced in February.
