Displaying items by tag: Kenan Ivery

The man convicted in the fatal shooting of Akron police officer Justin Winebrenner was officially sentenced to life in prison without parole, plus an additional 65 years, Wednesday morning.

Judge Alison McCarty followed the jury's recommendation last week to sentence Kenan Ivery, 36, to life in prison over execution.

"You will never again walk among us as a free man," said McCarty.

Justin Winebrenner's father, Rob Winebrenner, was the first of many family members and friends to give a victim impact statement before Ivery's sentencing.

"Finally, I want you to know as a parent, I am content standing here as a proud father of a hero that is no longer with us, knowing the last good deed that Justin did as a police officer is getting you off the streets forever."

Ivery shot and killed Winebrenner during a fight at Papa Don's Pub last November and also wounded four others. Ivery claimed it was self-defense when he pulled the trigger. He walked back into the bar with a gun after he was asked to leave.

Previous Coverage:

UPDATE Jury Recommends Life In Prison Without Parole

Kenan Ivery's Mother Begs For Mercy In Court

UPDATE Kenan Ivery Found Guilty of Aggravated Murder

Ivery Claims Self-Defense In Murder Trial

AUDIO Chief Nice Remembers Fallen Officer

UPDATE 9 PM: The jury has recommended life in prison without the possibility of parole for Kenan Ivery, the man convicted of killing Akron police officer Justin Winebrenner. Summit County Judge Alison McCarty is scheduled to sentence Ivery on Nov. 3.

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UPDATE 3:30 PM: After closing statements by the prosecution and defense, and jury instructions, the jurors are set to deliberate the penalty recommendation for convicted cop killer Kenan Ivery.

Judge Alison McCarty told the jurors they should deliberate as long as possible Friday night, before resuming deliberations on Saturday morning.

She did not give a timetable, but evening deliberations could last until 9 PM.

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The convicted killer of an off-duty Akron police officer spoke briefly in the sentencing phase of his trial on Friday.

WKYC Channel 3 reports that Ivery offered an apology to Justin Winebrenner's family and friends, and offered condolences to them. He says he wanted to do so earlier, but was advised against that by his attorneys.

He said he "knows the pain and hurt" of losing a loved one, after the 2011 death of his brother.

The same jurors who found Ivery guilty of aggravated murder in Winebrenner's death at Papa Don's Pub last November now must recommend his fate - the death penalty or life in prison with or without parole are on the table.

Their deliberations could start as soon as this afternoon.

(Ivery's statement, courtesy WKYC Channel 3) "I would like to apologize to the Winebrenner family and friends. This is something I've been wanting to say since the situation first happened and my lawyers told me it wasn't appropriate at the time. My condolences go out to you guys. My family feels the same way. This is coming from my heart. In 2011, I lost a brother, so I know the pain and the hurt that you're going through right now and I pray that God would touch your hearts to help you get through this tragedy."

The penalty phase of Kenan Ivery's trial got underway Thursday, with jurors considering whether they'll recommend he lives or dies.

Ivery was found guilty of aggravated murder last week by that same jury, in the killing of off-duty Akron police officer Justin Winebrenner at Papa Don's Pub last November.

Ivery's mother, Cynthia, begged for mercy.

"To have mercy on my child," she implored the jury in emotional testimony, "I cannot handle losing another child."

She told the Winebrenner family that she knows the pain of losing a loved one.

Kenan Ivery is expected to take the stand Friday.

UPDATE 11:07a --- The man accused of killing Akron Police Officer Justin Winebrenner was found guilty of aggravated murder Thursday morning. 

Kenan Ivery was found guilty on all the counts against him, with the exception of the tampering with evidence charge. (photo courtesy Summit County Prosecutor's Office)

There were 15 counts in all -- including the aggravated murder charge and two counts of attempted murder.

The guilty verdict returned in the aggravated murder charge means the death penalty is still on the table.

The same jurors will consider if Ivery lives or dies in the penalty phase, which starts on Tuesday morning.

The potential sentences for the aggravated murder conviction are the death penalty, life in prison with no parole, or life in prison with parole eligibilty after 20, 25 or 30 years behind bars.

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The verdict in the murder trial of Kenan Ivery, the man accused of killing Akron Police Officer Justin Winebrenner and wounding several others, is expected to be read this morning.

According to court officials, the verdict will be read at 10:30 a.m.

Ivery is facing 15 charges, including one count of aggravated murder, two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder. 

The 36-year-old is accused of killing off-duty cop Winebrenner during an argument after Ivery was kicked out of Papa Don's Pub last November. 

Ivery admitted on the stand to firing the shots, but he claims it was in self defense and he feared for his life. 

The prosecution insists that Ivery came back into the bar, with a gun, for revenge.

Previous Coverage: 

Jury Deliberates In Ivery Murder Trial

Self-Defense Claim Could Negate Death Penalty

Ivery Claims Self-Defense In Murder Trial

UPDATE Trial Begins For Accused Akron Cop Killer