The verdict was reached around 1:45 p.m. and 10 On Your Side’s Chris Horne was in the courtroom. He said Cory was “as stoic as he was throughout the entire seven days” when the decision was reached.
Advocates for Codi Bigsby were heard chanting “Justice for Codi” as Cory’s sister, Tandeleyia Butler, walked away. Butler could be heard saying, “I never lied from the beginning, and I don’t lie now,” while leaving the courthouse.
Curtis Brown, Cory Bigsby’s attorney, was asked if the defense will attempt to appeal the decision.
“You all presented the case the way that you all wanted, as if he was already guilty,” Brown said.
When asked if he thought Codi was still alive, Brown stated, “I don’t want to say something that, you know, I’ll regret.”
It will not be until mid-June until Cory Bigsby’s sentencing.
Closing Arguments
Jury instruction started at 9 a.m., followed by closing arguments. Deliberation started at 11:25 a.m. 14 jurors were presented the evidence, but only 12, eight women and four men, deliberated.
During closing arguments, Hampton Commonwealth’s Attorney Anton Bell asked the jurors to think about a protective and nurturing parent, saying, “This case is not about that. It’s about a predator.”
Bell went on to tell the jurors to use their common sense.
“He beat that child with his fists and dumped the child like he was trash,” Bell said. “You have the ability to bring to Codi what no one else can bring, and that’s accountability.”
Defense Attorney Curtis Brown took longer on closing arguments and was seen flipping through large white pages on a stand to support his case.
“Reasonable doubt means not guilty,” Brown repeatedly said to the jury.
Cory Bigsby found guilty in murder of son, Codi