Reaction from counsel on both sides with guilty verdict at Lazcano trial
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COLFAX, WA - A Whitman County jury found Frank Lazcano guilty of murder in the first degree, and unlawful disposal of human remains.
"We, the jury, find the defendant, Frank Gabriel Lazcano, guilty of the crime murder in the first degree," said Whitman County Judge David Frazier.
Friday afternoon, the jury of the Frank Lazcano murder trial unanimously found the defendant guilty of felony murder and for unlawful disposal of the remains of Marcus Schur's body. However, they found him not guilty of kidnapping.
"I guess it's the best of the worst outcomes," said Defense Attorney Steve Martonick.
When it comes to the first degree murder charge, the jury had to choose between premeditated and felony murder. Defense Attorney Steve Martonick said that the felony murder alternative will help Lazcano appeal the case.
"With the felony murder, we have a very excellent issue for the courts, the appellate courts to review, decide," said Martonick. "So, if we had to lose on a charge, actually this was a good one to lose on."
Prosecuting Attorney Denis Tracy said he's very happy with the outcome of Lazcano's case.
"The jury obviously spent a lot of time in their deliberations and considered everything very carefully, and I respect their decision," said Tracy.
But, Tracy said he expects this verdict will have no major effect on the case of Lazcano's brother Daniel, except for the fact that it confirms he too is guilty of first degree murder.
"I believe that we have a solid case, and I look forward to talking to the jury," said Tracy.
In the state of Washington, murder in the first degree could put Frank Lazcano in prison for 25 to 30 years. He's being held without bail, and the court will decide on a sentencing date on March eighth. That's also the same date of his brother Daniel Lazcano's sentencing for the improper disposal of human remains charge that he was found guilty of.
"We, the jury, find the defendant, Frank Gabriel Lazcano, guilty of the crime murder in the first degree," said Whitman County Judge David Frazier.
Friday afternoon, the jury of the Frank Lazcano murder trial unanimously found the defendant guilty of felony murder and for unlawful disposal of the remains of Marcus Schur's body. However, they found him not guilty of kidnapping.
"I guess it's the best of the worst outcomes," said Defense Attorney Steve Martonick.
When it comes to the first degree murder charge, the jury had to choose between premeditated and felony murder. Defense Attorney Steve Martonick said that the felony murder alternative will help Lazcano appeal the case.
"With the felony murder, we have a very excellent issue for the courts, the appellate courts to review, decide," said Martonick. "So, if we had to lose on a charge, actually this was a good one to lose on."
Prosecuting Attorney Denis Tracy said he's very happy with the outcome of Lazcano's case.
"The jury obviously spent a lot of time in their deliberations and considered everything very carefully, and I respect their decision," said Tracy.
But, Tracy said he expects this verdict will have no major effect on the case of Lazcano's brother Daniel, except for the fact that it confirms he too is guilty of first degree murder.
"I believe that we have a solid case, and I look forward to talking to the jury," said Tracy.
In the state of Washington, murder in the first degree could put Frank Lazcano in prison for 25 to 30 years. He's being held without bail, and the court will decide on a sentencing date on March eighth. That's also the same date of his brother Daniel Lazcano's sentencing for the improper disposal of human remains charge that he was found guilty of.
