Burlington, Vermont - May 21, 2011
The nine-day trial of an Essex Junction woman accused of murder came to an end early Saturday afternoon. The jury deliberated for two days before reaching a verdict.
The jury in the Latonia Congress murder trial entered a Burlington courtroom one last time. After ten hours of deliberation, they had decided the fate of an Essex Junction woman accused of stabbing her niece to death two years ago.
Congress maintained unimaginable composure as the jurors, one by one, returned a verdict of guilty on the charge of second-degree murder. An emotional end to a tragic set of circumstances.
"I am disappointed that they convicted her on second degree murder because I think that the evidence of her mental state was overwhelming," said Congress' lawyer Margaret Jansch.
Sobs filled the courtroom. There were tears for Congress mixed with tears for 16 year old Shatavia "CeCe" Alford. The defendant's family is also the victim's family. These women, who have been in the courtroom since the trial began, were overcome with emotion and declined comment.
"This has been a double tragedy for that family they don't believe that whatever happened it was anything more than an accident," said Jansch.
The jury disagreed. Although the state was seeking a first-degree murder conviction, the jury did not believe that Congress planned the murder, nor did they think that she was insane at the time of the killing.
"Thank-you on behalf of all of us. I think your service to the state has been extraordinary," said Judge Michael Kupersmith.
Congress hugged her lawyer and exchanged inaudible words with her family before leaving courtroom.
"Is a second-degree murder conviction justice for CeCe?" asked Jennifer Reading.
"Well we've always felt we had a strong case. We're pleased with the verdict, and we think the verdict stands on its own, stands for itself," replied Deputy Chittenden County State's Attorney Bram Kranichfeld.
Congress will spend 20 years to life in prison. She will officially be sentenced in about 6 to 8 weeks.
Jennifer Reading - WCAX-TV
