Jurors head back to court Monday for the sentencing phase of the trial for Quentin Smith, the man convicted of murdering two Westerville police officers.A Franklin County jury on Friday found Smith guilty of all five counts against him, including aggravated murder. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty because the killings happened while officers Eric Joering and Anthony Morelli were on duty.
On Feb. 10, 2018, Morelli and Joering arrived at Smith’s apartment on Cross Wind Drive after a 911 hang-up call made by his estranged wife, Candace. After Smith opened fire, Joering died on the scene, while Morelli died at a nearby hospital. Smith was also wounded in the exchange.
Smith’s attorneys claim the shooting happened in a moment of panic and chaos, while prosecutors say Smith knew Morelli and Joering were officers when he pulled the trigger.
In addition to aggravated murder, Smith was convicted on two counts of murder and one count of domestic violence.
It’s been 11 years since a Franklin County jury sentenced someone to death for killing a police officer.
