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Ryan Sharpe found guilty in 2017 killing-spree case

4 years 3 months 2 weeks ago Friday, December 13 2019 Dec 13, 2019 December 13, 2019 2:45 PM December 13, 2019 in News
Source: WBRZ

CLINTON - Alleged serial killer Ryan Sharpe was found guilty in one of three deadly shootings he allegedly carried out more than two years ago.

On Friday, a jury found Sharpe guilty of first-degree murder in the killing of a former Scout leader in East Feliciana Parish. 

Sharpe is accused of killing three men and shooting a fourth in 2017. Wednesday afternoon, the wife of Brad Defranceschi took the witness stand. Kaylene Defranceschi testified about hearing three gunshots and watching her husband die in her arms. Prosecutors also played her call for help to first responders.

"It's very emotional, especially when they played the 911 call today, as he lay there dying," said Westly Smith, a family friend.

Sharpe's attorney claims he is not guilty by reason of insanity. Sharpe told investigators he was trying to fill government-issued hunting tags when he shot the men. Mental health professionals also testified that Sharpe showed no signs of insanity.

"If he was truly insane, then he needs treatment, then he needs to go to jail for life. That 's my personal opinion," family friend Gayden Smith said.

Prosecutors rested their case Thursday afternoon, and the jury found Sharpe guilty the next day. He's now facing a potential life sentence.

He has not been tried in the two other killings or in the attempted murder of a fourth victim, but a trial in East Baton Rouge Parish for second-degree murder is scheduled for June. In that case, Sharpe is accused of killing Carroll Breeden.

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