BRUNSWICK, Ga. – A man convicted of killing a Camden County deputy three years ago began serving a life sentence Saturday after a jury Saturday couldn't agree to the death penalty.
Prosecutors Jason O'Neal Bryant committed a cold-blooded murder when he shot Camden County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Dan Jenkins on Aug. 28, 2000.
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Jenkins was shot four times -- the last time in the back of the head with his own gun -- during a traffic stop on Interstate 95. Jenkins' had stopped Bryant as he fled north after holding up two motels in Yulee, Fla.
The murder was caught on videotape by a camera mounted in Jenkins' patrol car. That tape was shown twice during testimony and once at the jury's request during deliberations.
After finding Bryant guilty of murder and armed robbery Thursday, jurors imported from west Georgia hear the penalty phase of the trial Friday, then deliberated until 2 a.m. When they returned Saturday morning, they told Judge Amanda WIlliams they were deadlocked 11 to 1 -- with one juror against the death penalty.
So Williams dismissed the jury and sentenced Bryant to two life sentences without parole.
After the sentencing, Jenkins' family released this statement: "Nothing we can do will bring Dan back, but now we have the consolation of knowing that the man who murdered him has been brought to justice. We want to thank everyone for their prayers and support during this very trying time."
Previous Stories:
- August 21, 2003: Bryant Convicted Of Killing Camden Officer
- August 19, 2003: Video Of Officer's Murder Played For Jury
- August 18, 2003: Prosecutors Lay Out Case In Officer Murder Trial
- August 13, 2003: Jury Selection Begins For Deputy Murder Trial
- August 10, 2001: Jurors To Be Imported For Murder Trial
- May 15, 2001: Georgia Deputy Among Fallen Officers Honored In D.C.
- September 1, 2000: Thousands Gather For Officer's Funeral
- August 31, 2000: Memorial Services Held For Camden County Deputy
- August 29, 2000: Suspect In Deputy's Shooting Charged With Murder