GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - A jury has found a Kent County teen guilty of second-degree murder in a fatal road rage beating.
Christian Hillman, 19, was charged with second-degree murder after beating 64-year-old William McFarlan during an altercation on a road in Alto last September.
Prosecutors and Hillman's defense presented their closing arguments Thursday morning. The judge gave instructions to the jury and deliberated through the morning. The jury rendered their verdict just before 11:30am.
Hillman could be sentenced to life in prison.
On Wednesday, the court saw a video recorded after Hillman's arrest in which he said he has anger issues and "kind of lost control" during the altercation.
Below is video following deliberations, the jury finding Hillman guilty of second-degree murder.
I’m surprised that it took the jury that long. They probably reached their verdict in about twenty seconds, but hung around in the jury room just to make it look like they actually deliberated.
I’ve known and have been friends with Christian for a very long time and its so sad to see this happen. I know he has had some issues but never thought this would ever happen. Regardless of what he has done I love him as a friend and someone I consider a brother and only hope the best for him when he gets out. Thoughts out to Kim and Bill Hillman.
I don’t know anything about his parents, so this might be out of line. But, I’m guessing that your last sentence likely speaks volumes. When you wish them well in the aftermath of this sad story, I agree. They’re going to spend the rest of their lives wondering what they did to create the person that their son became. The price of privilege isn’t cheap.
Yeah, everyone feels so sorry for that spoiled little punk. He has no place in society and is headed to the right place and with the hopes of a LIFE SENTENCE.
The story itself showed he had no respect for the law if he was on the road with a dirt bike, above the law rich punk, parents must be so proud….