Amite- on February 3, 2012 Michael Pennington, 25, of East Robinson Street, Hammond, LA

Amite- On February 3, 2012 Michael Pennington, 25, of East Robinson Street, Hammond, LA, was convicted of Second Degree Murder, according to District Attorney Scott M. Perrilloux.

Assistant District Attorney Le’Anne Malnar prosecuted the case, with Judge Robert Morrison presiding.

The incident occurred in August 2007 when Pennington, along with accomplices Cedric Richardson, and Lionel Richardson brutally murdered Hammond business owner Byron Williams.

Malnar explained in opening statements that Pennington confessed that although he did not physically attack the victim, he did help hold Williams down while Lionel Richardson beat him repeatedly with a crow bar, and bound him using utility ties, before placing him beneath a large oak bed, which was later set on fire.

On the third and final day of trial, Malnar presented a video of Pennington’s confession to Hammond detectives. The jury of twelve watched as the defendant told police about the days leading up to the murder, and the event itself. Jurors read along with court provided manuscripts as Pennington admitted to waiting with Lionel Richardson for Cedric Richardson to return with gasoline, all the while knowing Williams was still alive. He then stated that he helped pour the ignitable fluid all over the house.

Throughout the trial defense attorney Michael Thiel maintained that Cedric Richardson was the mastermind behind the robbery/murder, and that although Pennington was present, his participation was minimal. The defendant told police during his confession that Cedric Richardson had been planning the crime for two years.

The jury deliberated for 20 minutes before returning with the guilty verdict. Sentencing is scheduled for February 15, 2012, said Perrilloux.