CONROE,
TX (KTRK) –
By Deborah Wrigley
A police
sergeant convicted of manslaughter in the death of a 19-year-old shoplifting
suspect has been given probation.
A
Montgomery County jury delivered a five year prison sentence and recommended
probation. Sentences less than 10 years are automatically eligible for
probation.
The
mother of Russell Rios openly wept at the sentence. "He killed my
son," she said through sobs outside the courtroom, "and he gets the
five years?"
Neither
Sgt. Jason Blackwelder nor his family had any public comments after the
sentencing decision. His attorney says there is still a federal lawsuit pending
against Blackwelder.
Until
now, he has been on suspension from the Conroe Police Department. The
conclusion of the trial means that he may now be fired. A felony on his record
prevents him from working as a peace officer.
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