Jury finds McKethan guilty of murder
Three years to the day that 28-year-old Darius Bishop was found dead of a gunshot wound to the head on a sports field in Bozrah, a jury in New London Superior Court has found Dequan McKethan guilty of his murder.
The 12-member jury, which began deliberating Thursday, announced shortly after 2 p.m. Friday that it had reached a verdict.
The panel of nine men and three women found McKethan guilty of murder, carrying a pistol without a permit and possession of narcotics.
McKethan, 37, who took his case to trial after turning down a plea offer of 40 years in prison, could be sentenced to more than 60 years. Judge Barbara Bailey Jongbloed set the sentencing date for Nov. 20.
Bishop's murder took place in the early morning hours of Sept. 25, 2012. During his closing arguments, prosecutor Lawrence J. Tytla told the jury it appeared Bishop had been taken to the Charles Long Sports Complex to be executed.
A clear motive for the killing did not emerge during the trial.
McKethan told state police during an interrogation that he sometimes bought marijuana from Bishop, whom he described as a "real sweet man."
McKethan remained calm as he stood and faced the jury and the foreman pronounced him guilty. He wrung his hands as he was led from the courtroom.
The verdict brought the victim's father, Kenneth Bishop, to tears — a reaction he said surprised him, since he had remained so calm during the two-week trial.
"No one wins in a situation like this," Bishop said. "But to know that justice was served is closure."
He said his faith as a Jehovah's Witness had been a tremendous help during the past three years.
"I left everything in Jehovah-God's name," he said. "I'll continue with my life and helping other people with my ministry."
Bishop left the courthouse to tell his wife and family about the verdict. Darius Bishop was the oldest of Kenneth and Angela Bishop's three sons.
He was a graduate of Ledyard High School and was working two jobs when he was killed.
His father said he was raised as a Jehovah Witness. He had left the church for a period of time, but was returning to his faith when he was killed, his father said.
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