VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - A jury found Justin Cornell guilty of second degree murder in the death of Brianna Armstrong.
Closing arguments and jury deliberations in the murder trial for Cornell started Friday. The jury began deliberating around 11 a.m and their verdict was announced around 12:45 p.m.
The jury recommended the maximum sentence of 40 years in prison. He is scheduled to be formally sentenced on September 7.
Cornell was charged with second degree murder after evidence linked Cornell to the disappearance, decapitation and dismemberment of 43-year-old Armstrong.
The Commonwealth's Attorney addressed the jury first. He said this is a circumstantial evidence case, and there are too many coincidences that point to Cornell.
In the Commonwealth's closing argument, they talked about several items that were found near the swamp that could up with what police found at Cornell's home.
A forensics technician with the Chesapeake Police department says she found a receipt for Justin Cornell near where Brianna's body parts were found.
She also said she discovered pieces of latex gloves, generic brand garbage bags, and underwear.
Another detective took the stand, and he told the jury he searched Cornell's house. He said he found a box of latex gloves, the same generic brand of garbage bags, and the same brand of underwear.
The defense attorney argued that these are all just coincidences, and the Commonwealth cannot give a "who, what, where, why" on what happened to Brianna.
The defense also shifted blame to Brianna's husband, Corey Creek. They say he had a motive to kill Brianna because she was cheating on him.
RELATED:
Trial begins for man charged with Brianna Armstrong’s murder
Man accused in Brianna Armstrong murder waives preliminary hearing
Bond denied for man charged with Brianna Armstrong’s murder
Medical Examiner: Brianna Armstrong died from decapitation, dismemberment
No bond granted for coworker charged with murder in death of Brianna Armstrong
Missing woman’s remains found in Chesapeake
New clue could bring investigators closer to finding missing Chesapeake woman
Family and friends desperate for answers about missing Chesapeake woman
