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Jury convicts former Iraq veteran

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Reported by: Hubert Tate

Email: htate@fox16.com

Tags:

capital murder, guilty, hubert tate, ptsd, Pulaski County

Updated: 1/27/2012 10:20 pm

Published: 1/27/2012 9:26 pm

LITTLE ROCK, AR -- An emotional Pulaski County courtroom is seen, after a guilty verdict is read in the capital murder case against Steven Russell.

The former Iraq veteran will spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole. Prosecutors say Russell killed his girlfriend, Joy Owens, because she tried to leave him back in November 2009.

Her parents are pleased with the outcome.

"I just want to say praise the Lord. I am so happy," said mother Veronica Owens.

Initially, the jury told the court they could not reach a decision, leading everyone to believe the case would have a different outcome.

"Apparently there were some notes sent back from the jury that they were deadlocked. One for capital murder and 11 for first degree murder. We assumed perhaps a hung jury. But the jury announced a verdict finding him guilty of capital murder," said prosecuting attornery Melanie Martin.

The jury didn't buy the defense attorneys' claim Russell has post traumatic stress disorder, which they say contributed to his actions when the crime happened.

Russell's attorney says he does plan to appeal.

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dilligaf - 1/31/2012 3:01 PM

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I wish people would stop feeling sorry for people that murder (or some other crime) and then try to claim they have a mental defect. We have enough crazy people in this world, we dont need to waste money on housing the crazy murderers (or atleast the ones that have conned the system into believing they are "mentally ill"). I have zero sympathy for murderers (unless in self defense), rapists, child molestors, drug dealers etc. Let them all die for all I care. We dont want nor need their kind in society.

sparrowhawk60 - 1/29/2012 11:06 AM

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There are many victims in this case. My prayers for them all. Yes there needs to be better mental health care but that is not just lacking at the Veteran's level. Did any of his family try to get him help? PTSD this severe would have shown up before this horrific deed even with the archaic mental health system we have in our state.

Lilred - 1/29/2012 7:46 AM

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This story brings a lot of sadness. To both families I pray for your peace and clarity. I want you all to know that I'm am not making exuses for Mr. Russell but this man needed help after serving. So many of you don't understand PTSD. I can't tell you what I do for a living but I will say this. The month of January is not over yet and I HAVE SEEN several suicides from soldiers that have served 1 or more terms overseas. This is becoming a problem. Our soldires are NOT getting the proper care when they come home. Our soldiers are taking their own lives, taking lives of others, becoming severe addicts of drugs or alcohol and/or becoming homeless. We as a nation need to educate ourselves on the severe behaviors of PTSD and we need to fight for the proper care that our soldiers need. Situations like this one between Ms. Owens and Mr. Russell are becoming more and more commen and WE need to stop it and prevent it. May God Bless you all and Mr. Russell may God have mercy on you.

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