Roberts found guilty of second degree murder in Chris Wright murder trial

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  After close to 8 hours of deliberation, a Hamilton County Jury reached a verdict in the murder trial of Darryl Roberts.

“Respecting count one of premeditation 316495 we the jury Find the defendant Darryl Denopolis Roberts guilty of second degree murder….do either side require further polling from the jury, no Judge, no your honor”

Roberts is accused of killing Christopher Wright on a Chattanooga sidewalk in September 2023.

That verdict came in around 3 this afternoon.

Jurors found Roberts guilty of *second* degree murder, which is still a Class A felony.

In Tennessee, that can mean he could be sentenced to anywhere from 15 to 60 years in prison.

 Roberts admitted to shooting Christopher Wright but claimed he was provoked after Wright used multiple racial slurs towards him. 

His defence argued the shooting was a sudden emotional reaction, seeking a lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter. 

After a brief delay due to technical difficulties, the jury convicted Roberts of second-degree murder.

Prosecutors countered, saying Roberts acted with intent. Assistance DA Paul Moyle argued Roberts “centered himself” before firing, calling the act calculated. 

The courtroom grew tense during closing arguments, with multiple objects raised. 

After finding Roberts guilty of murder, the jury entered phase two, where they also convicted him of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior felony.

Judge Boyd Patterson of the Chattanooga Criminal Court delivered the following statement to the courtroom:  

“Alright, Mr. Robert’s. Sitting as the 13th Juror, I agree with the jury that you are guilty of Count 2, Unlawful Possession of a firearm. We’ll set that sentencing date at some point, probably 60 days from now.”

As the trial ended, tensions were high inside the courtroom. 

Both sides made their final statements, and with the verdicts delivered, the room emptied, leaving behind a mix of emotions. 

Family members of both the victim and the defendant gathered outside, reflecting on the intense proceedings.

Darryl Roberts’ sentences will occur at a later date. We will keep you updated as we learn more.