Klamath Falls, Ore. – It took a jury about 15 minutes of deliberation to deliver a ‘guilty’ verdict for a man accused of shooting and wounding a Klamath County Sheriff’s Deputy.
By a unanimous verdict, the 12 member jury found William ‘Jack’ Parkerson guilty of attempted aggravated murder, and first degree assault.
The charges stem from the August 2014 shooting of Deputy Jason Weber, who was shot in the face and stomach.
During closing statements, Klamath County Deputy District Attorney David Schutt recounted Weber’s testimony. He said, “I see a black barrel, with a set of eyes – no warning – no hesitation – BANG. And my face is on fire.” Schutt also noted that Deputy Weber identified Parkerson as the shooter during his testimony.
In his closing arguments, defense attorney Michael Bertholf maintained that Christopher Holmgren, who was also in the car at the time of the shooting, was the person that shot Weber. “If William Jack Parkerson might not have been the shooter – that is reasonable doubt,” said Bertholf.
But, the jury found no such doubt. Both Holmgren and Karey Pascoe testified that they witnessed Parkerson pull the trigger.
Parkerson showed no emotion as the verdict was read.
No date has yet been set for the sentencing phase of the trial, which is expected to take 3 days.
Jason Weber has since retired from the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, and now works for the O.L.C.C.
The state has said they intend to pursue a life sentence for Parkerson.
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