An 84-year-old man was convicted Thursday of capturing and killing a Kansas Metropolis lawyer who had gained a multi-million greenback judgment in opposition to him in a civil lawsuit.
A Jackson County jury deliberated about two hours earlier than discovering David Jungerman, of Raytown, responsible of first-degree homicide and armed prison motion within the Oct. 25, 2017, demise of 39-year-old Tom Pickert, who was shot in entrance of his residence after he returned from strolling his youngsters to highschool.
Prosecutors contended Jungerman shot Pickert as a result of he was upset the lawyer had gained a $5.75 million judgment for a homeless man who Jungerman shot in 2012 as a result of he thought the person was stealing from certainly one of his companies.
"We're very, very grateful that the jury has spoken and that justice has lastly been delivered to this household," Tim Greenback, assistant Jackson County prosecutor, mentioned after the decision was introduced.
Sentencing was scheduled for Nov. 18. Jungerman's lawyer, Daniel Ross, mentioned they plan to attraction.
Prosecutors mentioned 10 days earlier than Pickert was shot, a garnishment was filed in opposition to Jungerman. The day earlier than Pickert was shot, the Jackson County Sheriff's Workplace served Jungerman with property liens that might have prevented Jungerman from promoting or transferring his property.
In the course of the trial, prosecutors performed an audio recording of Jungerman bragging in regards to the homicide to his farmhand, Kansas Metropolis media reported. Jungerman apparently recorded the dialog by chance and it was later found by authorities throughout a search of his home.
"The factor that kind of bothers me about me is that once I give it some thought, I grin. That (expletive) has precipitated me a variety of bother," Jungerman mentioned on the audio.
Greenback mentioned throughout closing arguments that the recording confirmed Jungerman had "ice water" in his veins.
"These two persons are laughing," Greenback mentioned. "That's what he is considering when he says it makes me grin. What sort of monster would smile or giggle about that? That is what he's speaking about. That is what was in his thoughts."
Jungerman's protection argued the police investigation was sloppy, with lacking reviews and destroyed proof. They mentioned a couple of quarter of the audio recording of Jungerman was lacking.
"The state (prosecutors) ignored the info. Why?" Ross mentioned. "As a result of this fellow had a judgment in opposition to him and the lawyer who obtained it died, subsequently he is responsible. And that has been their strategy since October 2017."