NOT GUILTY FIRST DEGREE MURDER, Defending a Young Father Facing Life Behind Bars

Aug 13, 2026

OUTCOME: Not Guilty

Our client, a young father, was facing life in prison after being charged with First-Degree Murder, Second-Degree Murder, and Voluntary Manslaughter following a fatal incident at his child’s birthday p ... arty. The case stemmed from escalating tensions between our client and his daughter’s step- grandfather who was a convicted felon and registered sex offender. Evidence presented at trial showed that our client had previously been threatened with a firearm by the step-grandfather and had attempted to involve law enforcement prior to the incident. On the day of the child’s first birthday party, the individual arrived uninvited. What began as a verbal confrontation quickly escalated. Our client attempted to disengage and flee, but was pursued, and relentlessly attacked. During the attack, the step-grandfather attempted to use his firearm. Fearing for his life, our client discharged his legally owned firearm in self-defense. The assailant later died from his injuries. Despite fully cooperating with law enforcement – including waiving his own Miranda rights and participating in an extensive interview – our client was charged with First Degree Murder facing life in prison without the possibility of parole. Attorney Mark Jetton and Attorney Michael Fanous, along with the criminal defense team at Jetton & Meredith conducted a comprehensive investigation and built a trial strategy centered on self-defense, a poor investigation by detectives, and critical evidence supporting our client’s attempt to avoid confrontation. After a week-and-a-half-long jury trial, the jury returned a verdict of: NOT GUILY ON ALL CHARGES This outcome secured our client’s freedom, allowed him to return to his family, and reinforced the importance of an experienced criminal defense team when facing the most serious allegations anyone can ever face.