Jury hears closing arguments in trial for slain officer

MANASSAS, Va. (AP) — A jury has heard closing arguments in the capital murder trial of an Army staff sergeant from northern Virginia accused of killing his wife and a police officer on her first shift who responded to the 911 call.

Ronald Hamilton of Woodbridge is charged with fatally shooting his wife, Crystal, and officer Ashley Guindon in February 2016. The 34-year-old Hamilton is also charged with shooting and seriously injuring two other Prince William County police officers.

During Tuesday’s closing arguments, Hamilton’s lawyers asked the jury to convict their client on charges less than capital murder. They acknowledged Hamilton is guilty, but said his actions lack the premeditation necessary for a capital murder conviction.

If convicted of capital murder, prosecutors will seek the death penalty during the sentencing phase.