A Deptford police officer on trial in the shooting death of his friend has been found guilty of murder and aggravated manslaughter, a jury announced this afternoon.
WOODBURY -- A Deptford police officer on trial for the shooting death of his friend has been found guilty of murder and aggravated manslaughter, a jury announced this afternoon.
The jury deliberated for 2 1/2 days before reaching its verdict in the death of 27-year-old David Compton. It was nearly 3 p.m. when talks finally ended, and the jury was seated by 3:15. A palpable tension filled the room as friends and family of both the victim and the defendant crowded onto hard wooden benches to hear the verdict.
Upon hearing the result, Compton's family and friends exchanged somber hugs, while across the room, James Stuart's parents and several lifelong friends sat in silent tears. The trial had re-opened a nearly three-year-old wound among a group of friends that, over the course of more than a decade, had come to think of both Compton and Stuart as brothers.
Although defense attorney John Eastlack had asked that the defendant be allowed to remain free on bail until sentencing, Judge Robert Becker denied the request. Stuart was quietly taken out of the room by sheriff's officers.
The Jan. 5, 2013, shooting followed a night of drinking in which James Stuart, now 31, consumed as many as 8 to 10 alcoholic beverages, according to testimony. He had a BAC of .14 when Deptford officers drove him to the hospital for a blood test.
Stuart claimed that he did not know the gun was loaded, saying he had made the pistol safe to show it to his friend earlier that night.
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After Compton died on Jan. 11, 2013, Stuart was charged with murder, manslaughter and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
The jury spent hours reviewing Stuart's testimony about what happened as the two watched a movie at Stuart's home.
While the two watched "Dredd," Compton asked the police officer to show him his gun, Stuart testified. The two began dry firing the weapon at Stuart's television.
At some point when Stuart was either asleep or out of the room, he said, Compton loaded and unloaded his Glock 27, inadvertently leaving a live round in the chamber of the pistol.
Stuart claims that he woke up shortly afterward and aimed the gun at the TV. It was a few minutes before 5 a.m. Just when Stuart was about to pull the trigger, he heard Compton begin to speak.
"I started to pull back the trigger and I heard Dave start to speak," Stuart testified. "When I turned to look at him, I guess my hand turned with me. I heard a loud boom."
Upon realizing what had happened, Stuart said, he moved the pistol, along with his police service weapon and an antique revolver that he had been showing to Compton, to his bedroom in order to clear the room for paramedics.
Compton's family did not believe Stuart's testimony, although Compton's sister, Tracy Sharpe, said they had no alternative narrative.
"We just know [Stuart's story was untrue]," said Sharpe.
A steady rain had begun to fall outside as the family took to the hallway to read a pre-written statement. Stuart's family did not speak to media as they left the courthouse.
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"Only two people knew exactly what happend the morning of Jan. 5 when David's voice was silenced forever," said the victim's father, Bill Compton.
"We're just so grateful the jury did not believe the lies Mr. Stuart told," said David's mother, Maureen Compton.
"About my little brother," added Sharpe. "Who wasn't here to defend himself."
Bill noted that Assistant Prosecutor Dana Anton had not been permitted to include personal information about his son in the trial.
"She wasn't able to tell you he was an organ donor," Bill said, "and that he shared the gift of life with over 50 individuals." The prosecution was also barred from showing photos of Compton from sources other than the hospital, which meant jurors only saw photos from when he was already on life support.
The Comptons had asked childhood friends, Widener University classmates and coworkers alike for individual words to describe their son.
"Dave was responsible, charismatic, engaging, pragmatic, bright, radiant, full of life, honorable, selfless, happy, gregarious, fun, real, warm, exuberant, admirable, accepting, genuine, personable, beautiful and irreplacable," Bill said.
"We would certainly agree. David lived every day with passion for life and we want him to be remembered that way."
A sentence for manslaughter could range from 10 to 30 years in prison, while the murder penalty comes with 30 years to life. The defense has until Nov. 20 to file any further motions. Sentencing for Stuart is scheduled for Dec. 18.
Andy Polhamus may be reached at apolhamus@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ajpolhamus. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.