Jury Finds Edmond Man Guilty In Toddler's Murder

A jury finds an Edmond man guilty of killing his girlfriend's toddler. Jurors deliberated for two and half hours before returning the verdict.

Rico Berry showed no emotion as the judge read the verdict. Jurors found Rico Berry guilty of murder and recommend he serve life in prison without the possibility of parole. Berry was also found guilty of child neglect with a recommendation he serve a separate life sentence.

Outside of the courtroom News9 asked Berry, "Are you worried about spending the rest of your life in jail?" He nodded yes. When asked if he committed the crime, Berry replied, "No."

Prosecutors disagree and proved it during the six-day trial. During closing arguments, Assistant District Attorney Gayland Gieger pointed to Rico Berry and told the jury, "this man is responsible for violent and unreasonable acts to a child."

To prove that, prosecutors introduced evidence to prove Berry shook, choked, and then slammed down 2 year old Jolen, injuries that killed the child back in 2009.

Meanwhile, the defense did not call any witnesses to the stand instead told jurors the injuries were the result of an accident. The state fired back with testimony from family members, doctors, and police officers who tried to revive the child at the scene.

Jurors and the defense refused to comment after the trial. Berry is due back in court on Feb 22 for sentencing

10/14/2009 Related Story: Edmond Man Suspected of Killing Girlfriend's Toddler