HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — UPDATE:Former Huntsville police officer William Darby, who was convicted of murder in the shooting death of Jeffrey Parker in 2018, was denied a new trial.
Court records show that Darby's petition for a new trial filed on September 16 was denied on Sept. 17, 2021.
Former Huntsville police officer William Darby, who was convicted of murder in the shooting death of Jeffrey Parker in 2018, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison.
READ: Motion for new trial
READ: Court's response to motion for a new trial:
The City of Huntsville said it would spend up to $125,000 on Darby's legal fees. The city states that, with final payments made, the total spent was $125,000 as follows:
Robert Tuten $ 92,007.57
Tactical Science $ 7,319.96
Billy Ware & Associates $ 25,672.47
It took the jury a little over two hours to make the decision.
After the guilty verdict was read, Darby was escorted out of the courtroom in handcuffs.
Madison County District Attorney Rob Broussard said, "We're very pleased with the jury verdict. We believed in this case. I'm not saying this is a pleasant day for us in the office, but it's a day that justice dictated."
Attorneys for William Darby say he will appeal.
Defense Attorney Robert Tuten says he is certain the verdict will not stand.
"The jury got it wrong. They made a mistake," said Tuten. "Ben Darby has constitutional rights to take it to a higher court and have it reviewed, and that's what he will do."
The City of Huntsville paid up to $125,000 for Darby's defense.
Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle released this statement:
“While I respect the jury’s opinion, I disagree with the verdict. We recognize this was a hard case with a lot of technical information to process. Officer Darby followed the appropriate safety protocols in his response on the scene. He was doing what he was trained to do in the line of duty. Fortunately, Officer Darby has the same appeal rights as any other citizen and is entitled to exercise those rights."
The Huntsville Police Department took Darby's side.
Police Chief Mark McMurray stated, "We are in the first stages of shock. While we thank the jury for their service in this difficult case, I do not believe Officer Darby is a murderer. Officers are forced to make split-second decisions every day, and Officer Darby believed his life and the lives of other officers were in danger. Any situation that involves a loss of life is tragic. Our hearts go out to everyone involved."
Darby remained on the Huntsville Police payroll before resigning.