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Saturday, May 25, 2013 | 5:57 a.m.

Updated: 9:33 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, 2009 | Posted: 4:44 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, 2009

Verdict Returned In Mall Murder Trial

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio —

A jury returned guilty verdicts Friday against three women charged in a Springfield hit and run murder.

Mahogany Patterson, Alicia McAlmont, and Toneisha Gunnell were convicted of murder, involuntary manslaughter, aggravated robbery and theft. Police say the women robbed a Springfield Macy's in June of 2005 and during their getaway, their car hit and killed John Deselem.

Assistant Clark County Prosecutor Stephen Collins said, "For these defendants, I believe we've come to the end of road. I believe justice was done."

But just after the women were led out of the courtroom in handcuffs and tears, their lawyers said they will appeal the verdict.

Defense Attorney James Griffin said, "We believe information that went to the jury tainted the jury. It should have been declared a mistrial."

Jurors were given a piece of evidence they weren't supposed to see. Judge Douglas Rastatter questioned each juror before deciding they weren't influenced by the information.

Mahogany Patterson's aunt Jeanne Patterson said, "You mean to tell me once you read something ,you can put out your mind? You can't."

The women will remain in the Clark County jail until their sentencing next week. They face significant sentences, including 15 to life for the murder charge.

Previous Stories: March 4, 2008: Mall Murder Trial Put On Hold October 2, 2007: Juror Research Prompts Mistrial In Murder Case October 2, 2007: Mistrial Declared In Mall Murder Trial In Springfield October 2, 2007: Jury Begins Deliberations In Murder Retrial September 28, 2007: Springfield Man Accused Of Intimidation In Mall Murder Trial September 27, 2007: Witnesses Take Stand In Mall Murder Trial June 12, 2007: 4 Women Get New Trials In Mall Hit-And-Run Death November 6, 2006: Court Of Appeals Overturns Clark County Murder Conviction November 17, 2005: Women Sentenced In Mall Parking Lot Death November 4, 2005: Verdict Returned In The Case Of Four Woman Charged With Murder August 26, 2005: Stone Cold June 9, 2005: Massive Manhunt Leads To Jailed Suspects June 9, 2005: Suspects In Parking Lot Death Charged With Murder

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