The jury took 7 hours to deliver a guilty verdict in the Tracey Lawrence trial today. The 55 year-old Lawrence was found guilty of second degree murder and possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony.
The defense hinged on evidence that the two teens, Hunter Lentz and Matthew McMillen were attempting to commit crimes on Lawrence’s Springport Township properties when they were shot and killed by Lawrence on June 18 of 2016. They had argued that Lawrence acted in self-defense and he was attempting to lawfully stop escaping felons.
County Prosecutor Jerry Jarzynka said, “The maximum possible penalty for second degree murder is up to life in the Department of Corrections.”
Prosecutors have requested Judge John McBain revoke Lawrence’s bond, as he awaits sentencing on August 29th at 9am; a request that McBain subsequently granted.
