LOS ANGELES (KCAL/KCBS/CNN) - There was never any question that John Creech killed Gavin Smith. He testified that fact in front of the jury, saying that he was defending himself as Smith attacked him.
The jury also learned Smith and Creech’s wife were having an affair, that Creech found the 20th Century Fox executive in his Mercedes with Creech’s wife and that the two men got into a violent fight and Smith was killed.
The defense claimed it was self-defense. The prosecution argued it was premeditated murder.
The jury found a motive somewhere in between - voluntary manslaughter.
“I think it’s clear from the jury’s verdict that they were fixated on the heat of passion part of it,” said prosecutor Bobby Grace.
And there was more to the case. Creech concealed Smith’s body in a shallow grave in the High Desert while Smith’s wife and children looked for him.
Search parties were formed and a $20,000 reward was offered.
More than two years later, Smith’s body was discovered by a hiker and his dog in a desolate area near Palmdale, CA.
Grace said Smith’s family is disappointed in Monday’s verdict but relieved the trial is over.
“You know, they’re not happy with the jury verdict, but I think that they’re happy that the process is completed and that he has to take legal responsibility for the death of Gavin Smith,” Grace said.
Creech is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 19. He faces a maximum sentence of up to 11 years in prison.
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