Rape Trial Ends With Guilty Verdict

While community members made their way to the Valley County Courthouse this past week, some may have grumbled about having to serve jury duty. But 12 jury members were picked, along with an alternate, to serve on a rape trial.

The trial ended in triumph for the prosecution that worked to build the case, and in devastation for the defendant.

Gavin Ackerman, 19, was found guilty of non-consensual intercourse with bodily injury He clearly was upset as the jury decision was read to the courtroom on Friday, Oct. 31. The prosecution, County Attorney Nick Murnion along with a local Glasgow police officer who investigated the case, seemed to be happy with the decision.

During closing arguments, Murnion pieced together an August night in 2013, when he said that the event occurred. He argued that inconsistencies with the defendant's arguments and details of the evening pointed to the fact that it wasn't consensual as he said.

The rape occurred in a bathroom of the victim's home, according to the prosecution. The victim had injuries from the incident that created blood at the scene. The victim went to the hospital and endured five hours in the emergency room as evidence was collected.

The defense argued that the jury needed to decide if they could beyond a reasonable doubt convict the defendant based on the burden of proof that was placed on the prosecution.

The defense also maintained that contradictions and credibility issues existed with the victim in question. The defense argued that the event took place Aug. 29 and the defendant wasn't interviewed until September, over two weeks later. Ackerman wasn't officially charged until March 2014 and was ultimately arrested on a warrant May 14.

A few juror members were visibly upset with the charge that carries a felony and will likely impact Ackerman for the rest of his life. The prosecution asked for no bond, while the defense argued that Ackerman already wasn't able to post his current bond.

The judge decided to leave the current bond in place. Sentencing was set for Jan. 5.