A cop-killer was convicted on Thursday in the death of a Cathedral City, California police officer during a high-speed pursuit more than five years ago.
A jury in Banning found Durjan Germaine Gray guilty of second-degree murder of Officer Jermaine Gibson on March 18, 2011, according to The Press-Enterprise.
The 29-year-old officer was in pursuit of a stolen black Ford Mustang driven by Gray from when he lost control of his cruiser and collided with a palm tree, causing the vehicle to catch fire. Gibson was pronounced dead shortly after midnight on March 19.
The three-year veteran of the forced previously served two tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, and earned a Purple Heart. He left behind a wife and a newborn son at the time of the crash.
Gray crashed the stolen car about a quarter-mile later and was arrested by authorities.
The now 40-year-old defendant also was found guilty of driving under the influence causing injury, evading a peace officer causing injury or death and gross vehicular manslaughter while driving under the influence.
Gray faces 30 years to life in prison when he is sentenced on Sept. 9.
