Source:
Grand Rapids Press,
WOOD TV GRAND RAPIDS -- A Tennessee native was found not guilty today of felony murder in the slaying of Victor Manious, a Gaines Township man whose body was found in the trunk of his own vehicle, parked on a downtown street.
The jury found Steven Scarborough, 22, guilty of a lesser charge voluntary manslaughter.
Scarborough was accused of luring 62-year-old Victor Manious to a friend's apartment to rob him. The prosecution said he then struck Manious in the head with a blunt force object before dragging him down stairs to Manious' car, stuffing the victim in the trunk.
Scarborough had been charged with felony murder and faced mandatory life in prison without parole. Manslaughter carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
The Manious family was not in the courtroom as the verdict was announced.
Upon hearing the verdict, Scarborough hugged his lawyer, Paul Denenfeld, and smiled. His mother, Veronica Hand, in court with her husband, Michael, wept.
Grand Rapids Police Detective Kristen Rogers, who interviewed Scarborough once he was apprehended, put her head in her hands.
Kent County Assistant Prosecutor Helen Brinkman said she would tell the Manious family she did her best.
Brinkman had hoped the jury would find Scarborough guilty of felony murder. She told WOOD TV's 24 Hour News 8 that she believes, had the jury heard Scarborough's record of prior felony convictions, that may have made a difference in the outcome of the trial. Because of those previous felony convictions, though, Scarborough will receive a longer sentence. Sentencing is scheduled for May 22.
Scarborough's attorney says the defendant's family is relieved that he did not receive the felony murder conviction, which would have meant life in prison. Instead, there is the possibility of parole in the future.
About two hours earlier before the verdict was reached, jurors had asked for information regarding acquittal. Even so, Denenfeld said he tried to lower expectations for Scarborough's family, not raise them, because it's always risky to read into what jurors might be thinking.
Full article: Verdict in Steven Scarborough case: Guilty of voluntary manslaughter of Victor Manious | Grand Rapids Press
Scarborough found guilty of voluntary manslaughter | WOOD TV