Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
WEST JORDAN -- A Bluffdale man claims it was self-defense when he shot and paralyzed his neighbor last year, but a jury has decided otherwise.
Reggie Campos was found guilty on all counts: attempted murder and two counts of aggravated assault for the June 2009 shooting that left his neighbor David Serbeck in a wheelchair, paralyzed from the chest down.
Tuesday, Campos was a free man. A day later he's in the Salt Lake County Jail, awaiting sentencing for shooting his neighbor.
The Campos family solemnly marched into court Wednesday, the fate of their father and husband in the hands of the jury.
"There's a possibility that their dad's not going to come home with them this afternoon," defense attorney Rebecca Skordas said before the jury had come back with its verdict.
I am truly shocked and amazed that the verdict came back as guilty on all three. Not even a reduction of the attempted murder.
–Conrad Campos, brother defendant
There were no emotional outbursts as the verdict was read Wednesday evening. The family tried to brace themselves for the worst, and the worst is what they said the jury came back with.
"I am truly shocked and amazed that the verdict came back as guilty on all three," said Conrad Campos, brother of Reggie Campos. "Not even a reduction of the attempted murder."
Campos claimed he was defending himself when he shot David Serbeck in his Bluffdale neighborhood. He claims Serbeck was following his young daughter.
Serbeck says he was part of the Neighborhood Watch and was patrolling the area because of recent thefts.
Both men were armed with guns.
Campos says Serbeck racked his gun, and that's when he shot Serbeck.
Serbeck said little as he left the courtroom. "The only thing I have to say is I'm very sorry for the Campos family, for their loss, and I'm just really glad that the truth did come out."
"The overriding factor was the law, and the evidence; and this case is one cannot go out, and bring out a gun, perform this type of a stunt, and have this rage, and expect it's self-defense," said prosecutor Nathan Evershed.
Campos was handcuffed and taken into custody. His family stands by him, and says they will appeal.
"This has devastated two families and the community," Conrad Campos said. "It's terrible. and that's not going to change."
While Campos' daughter Paige doesn't agree with the jury's verdict, she said she does respect it.
"Best father a girl can ask for. I know that if I'm in danger, that he will protect me. I believe that with all my heart.
Campos is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 2. He faces three years to life in prison.
------
Story compiled with contributions from Jennifer Stagg and Sandra Yi.
