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Rankin Trial: Jury recommends 2.5 years for manslaughter

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WVEC) - A jury has found Stephen Rankin guilty of voluntary manslaughter in the death of William Chapman.

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WVEC) - A jury has found Stephen Rankin guilty of voluntary manslaughter in the death of William Chapman.

After further deliberations on Wednesday afternoon, they then recommended to a judge that Rankin serve two and a half years in prison. Prosecutors had sought a maximum sentence of 10 years.

Rankin was not taken into custody. The judge will make the final decision on what Rankin's sentence will be at a future court date.

The jury did not convict on the first-degree murder charge prosecutors sought in the case of the Portsmouth police officer, who was fired as he awaited trial. But criminal charges are rare in police-involved shootings, and convictions are even more uncommon.

Rankin shot 18-year-old William Chapman in the face and chest outside a Walmart last year, after a security guard accused the teen of shoplifting. No video recorded the killing, and testimony conflicted on the details.

After the verdict was read, witness testimony was given for the jury to consider with the sentencing. Rankin himself went back on the stand.

When asked if he had anything he wanted to tell the Chapman family, Rankin replied, "I've actually wanted to say this for some time: I think this is a terrible tragedy. I wish it never occurred."

Before the jury had reached a verdict Wednesday morning, defense attorneys filed a motion for a mistrial, and offered security video that showed a Chapman family friend interacting with a juror on Wednesday.

The woman, identified in court as Ms. James told the judge she recognized the young man, but didn't realize he was a juror. She told the judge that when she realized he was, she and him took separate elevators.

On Thursday, Broccoletti said that after court Wednesday, he and Belote saw Sallie Chapman hugging Ms. James in the grassy area between the Pavilion and the back of the courthouse. Broccoletti said James then got into Sallie Chapman's car and left.

He stated this is further proof that Ms. James should be banned from the courtroom, but the judge denied that request.

Credit: Family photo
William Chapman II

The jury, made up of seven women and five men, had the following charges to consider:

  • 1st Degree Murder
  • 2nd Degree Murder
  • Voluntary Manslaughter
  • Use of a fire arm in commission of felony

Since the jury found Rankin guilty of voluntary manslaughter, he cannot be convicted on the use of a fire arm in commission of a felony.

According to Jon Babineau, the attorney for the family of William Chapman, tells 13News Now that the family will be filing a lawsuit against Rankin and the City of Portsmouth in the next few weeks.

Rankin will be officially sentenced October 12 at the Portsmouth Circuit Court. Attorneys for Rankin cannot file for appeal until after the formal sentencing.

PHOTOS: Former officer Stephen Rankin murder trial

13News Now has a team of reporters following the trial:

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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