Christopher Cox found not guilty of second-degree murder

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - At around 1 a.m. Thursday, a jury decided Christopher Cox’s fate.

The jury found Cox not guilty of second-degree murder, not guilty of attempted second-degree murder, and guilty of carrying a concealed firearm.

Cox’s sentencing for the guilty charge will be in April. He is being held without bond until then. Carrying a concealed firearm is considered a third-degree felony and punishable by up to 5 years in prison.

A man accused of shooting and killing a Kentucky teenager in March of 2021 is still waiting to learn his fate.

As of Wednesday, at 11 pm., the jury had not arrived at a decision.

His trial began Monday. He faced murder and attempted murder charges.

Cox testified Wednesday, arguing he acted in self-defense after two teenagers allegedly tried to steal his backpack.

The prosecution argued he needs to be held accountable for his alleged actions.

“14 years - that’s all Lucas Likes got to spend on this planet because Christopher Cox stole his life from him,” Prosecutor Peter Overstreet said.

“This country is built on a fundamental principal that the law, being fairly and evenly applied, is more important than any outcome of any individual case,” Defense Attorney Nathan Prince said.

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