By Karen Hall

Staff Writer

After eight hours of deliberation, spread over two days, a Marshall County jury returned a not-guilty verdict on the charge of first-degree murder for Jerron Braden, 19.

Braden was found guilty of the lesser-included charge of facilitation of first-degree murder, meaning the jury thought he was involved in the planning and/or execution of the murder of Penny Blackwell Coyle on Nov. 21, 2011, but he was not the one who killed her.

"The difference is monumental," said Braden's attorney David McKenzie. "Getting a not-guilty verdict on the first-degree murder charge was the main objective. We're very pleased. My client has avoided a sentence of life in prison."

The sentence for facilitation is 15 to 25 years, the attorney explained, as opposed to a life sentence for first-degree murder.

"We expected to receive a not-guilty verdict on all counts," McKenzie said. Some observers were convinced this was possible after the defense presented a strong case. McKenzie's cross-examination of the prosecution's witnesses cast doubt on the validity of Braden's statement, not only on the facts it included but also on the manner in which it was obtained by law enforcement. Defense witnesses made a strong case supporting for Braden's innocence, and one even implicated another man as the shooter.

"The jury really struggled with it," McKenzie said. "We presented a strong case and we were well prepared." Courthouse sources said they heard raised voices coming from the jury room several times during the hours of deliberation.

When the jury returned their verdict, McKenzie asked Circuit Judge Robert Crigler to poll the jury, so each juror was asked to state their name and whether they agreed with the verdict. Seven women and five men said they did, though at least one woman seemed emotional and spoke so softly the judge had to ask her to repeat herself.

"They were a good jury," McKenzie said. "They never lost focus" during seven full days of testimony, including a Saturday morning session.

"It's the biggest case I've ever been a part of," McKenzie said.

A sentencing hearing for Braden will be held on May 1.

McKenzie was appointed as Braden's attorney in Juvenile Court, where the case stayed for almost seven months before being transferred to Circuit Court.

"I spent a lot of time with him," McKenzie said. "Our lives were intertwined for a year and a half. You get to know people. I see a lot of good in him. I hope he does well."

During his time in prison, McKenzie hopes Braden can get some high-school education, and when he gets out of prison, McKenzie thinks Braden can become a productive member of society.

"I think he can," the attorney concluded. "Hopefully his family will support him."

Assistant District Attorneys Eddie Barnard and Mike Randles left the courtroom immediately after the verdict to talk to the victim's family and did not return before court adjourned. They were not available for comment Thursday before the Tribune went to press.