A US lawyer has been found guilty of killing his family in a drama that captivated the nation. The jury in the trial of Robert Bever, who was accused of murdering his parents and two siblings in 2015, returned a guilty verdict on all counts.
The case has been closely followed by the media since it first came to light in July 2015. Bever, then 18, was accused of killing his parents, David and April Bever, and his siblings Daniel, 12, Christopher, 7, and Victoria, 5, in their home in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
The prosecution argued that Bever had planned the murders in advance and had intended to kill his entire family. They said he had researched serial killers and had written a list of people he wanted to kill.
The defense argued that Bever was mentally ill and had been influenced by his older brother, Michael, who was also charged in the case. They said Michael had planned the murders and had manipulated Robert into helping him.
The jury deliberated for two days before returning the guilty verdict. Bever was found guilty of five counts of first-degree murder and one count of assault and battery with a deadly weapon. He faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The trial had been delayed several times due to Bever’s mental health issues. He had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and had been receiving treatment in a mental health facility.
The case has been a source of fascination for many in the US. It has been compared to the infamous case of the Menendez brothers, who were convicted of killing their parents in 1989.
The Bever case has also raised questions about mental health and the criminal justice system. Many have argued that Bever should have been given more help for his mental illness before the tragedy occurred.
The verdict has been welcomed by the victims’ family and friends. They have said that they hope the verdict will bring them some closure and allow them to move on with their lives.
The case has been a long and difficult one for all involved. It has been a tragedy for the Bever family and a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness.
