Jury Convicts Teen In Death Of Baltimore County Police Officer

A Baltimore County jury on Wednesday convicted a Baltimore teen of felony murder, first-degree burglary and auto theft for running over and killing a Baltimore County police officer outside a home during a burglary.

#DawntaHarrls found guilty of felony murder in the death of #BaltimoreCounty Officer Amy Caprio - Harris sobbed with his head on the table - #Caprio’s family cheered the verdict @wbalradio — Phil Yacuboski (@WBALPhil) May 1, 2019

The jury deliberated for about six hours over Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning.

Dawnta Harris, 17, was behind the wheel of a stolen Jeep when he was confronted by Officer Amy Caprio. Jurors saw video from that day, including from Caprio's body-worn camera. She followed the Jeep into a cul-de-sac. got out of her car, and repeatedly ordered Harris to get out of the Jeep. He opened the door, hesitated, closed the door then drove at Caprio.

That he hit Caprio wasn't in dispute. However, defense attorneys attempted to paint Harris as a scared teenage boy who didn't know how to react when Caprio confronted him, and didn't know he had hit her. They claimed he had no role in the burglary. Prosecutors pointed to Harris' repeated attempts to mislead police.

My statement on the verdict in reference to the murder trial of @BaltCoPolice Officer Amy Caprio: pic.twitter.com/WzHn1sn6TY — County Executive Johnny Olszewski (@BaltCoExec) May 1, 2019

Garry Sorrels, Caprio's father, said the verdict doesn't bring closure.

"It's a continuation," he said. "We will live with this traumatic event in out lives and we wake up in the morning and we relive it every day."

Baltimore County Executive John Olszewski Jr. expressed his condolences to Caprio's family, friends and colleagues.

"I thank the jurors who listened to the testimony, examined the evidence, and rendered their verdict," Olszewski said. "While this does not bring back Officer Caprio, justice has been delivered."

Judge Jan Alexander commended prosecutors and defense attorneys Dawnta Harris murder trial. He said they did an excellent job handling the case. He set sentencing for July 23rd. — Barry Simms (@BarrySimmsWBAL) May 1, 2019

At the time of the crime, Harris was in violation of home detention. Harris was given home detention after arrests for auto thefts despite the pleas of his own mother, who wanted him detained.

Defense attorney Warren Brown said there were no winners or losers in the case, and that he intends to appeal.

Sentencing is set for July 23. He faces life in prison on the felony murder conviction alone, with up to five years for auto theft and 20 years for first-degree burglary. Baltimore County State's Attorney Scott Shellenberger says he intends to seek a life sentence.

Three alleged accomplices have yet to stand trial.

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Phil Yacuboski contributed to this report.