Jury Deliberations Start In Lakewood Officer’s Killing

Jury deliberations are under way in the trial of a 20-year-old Lakewood man charged with murdering a Lakewood police officer last year.

The jury began its discussions around 2 p.m. Wednesday, shortly after closing arguments were made in the case against Jahmell Crockam. They concluded nearly three hours later and will resume this morning.

Crockam allegedly shot Patrolman Christopher Matlosz three times while Matlosz was behind the wheel of his police cruiser on Jan. 14, 2011.

Prosecutors say Crockam knew he had outstanding arrest warrants and killed the officer to avoid going to prison. But Crockam's lawyer has maintained there's no reliable evidence linking his client to the killing.

Crockam could be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)