A South Carolina jury has convicted a man of murder in the shooting death of his 9-year-old daughter, rejecting his claim that he fired the fatal shot to teach her a lesson..
Craig Stephen Pennington, 56, was found guilty of murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime by a jury in Conway on Wednesday. The jury deliberated for about two hours before reaching its verdict..
Pennington admitted to shooting his daughter, Allison, in the chest with a .45-caliber pistol on Aug. 13, 2021, at their home in Myrtle Beach. He claimed he was trying to teach her a lesson about gun safety when the gun went off accidentally..
Prosecutors argued that Pennington intentionally killed his daughter in a fit of rage after she disobeyed him. They presented evidence that Pennington had a history of domestic violence and had threatened to kill his wife and children in the past..
The jury rejected Pennington’s claim of self-defense, finding that he was not in imminent danger when he shot his daughter. They also found that he did not have a reasonable belief that his daughter posed a threat to him or others..
Pennington faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole for the murder conviction. He will be sentenced at a later date..
The case has drawn national attention and has sparked a debate about gun safety and parental discipline. Some people have questioned whether Pennington’s actions were justified, while others have condemned him for killing his own child..
The jury’s verdict sends a clear message that parents cannot use violence to punish their children. It also highlights the importance of gun safety and the need to keep firearms out of the reach of children..
In a statement released after the verdict, Allison’s mother, Deanna Pennington, said she was grateful for the justice that had been served in her daughter’s case..
‘I know that Allison is looking down on us today and she is proud of the verdict that was reached,’ she said. ‘This is a victory for all children who have been victims of violence.’.
Pennington’s attorney, David Aylor, said he was disappointed with the verdict and planned to appeal..
‘We believe that the jury made a mistake in this case,’ he said. ‘We believe that Craig Pennington is not guilty of murder and we will continue to fight for his freedom.’.
The trial of Craig Pennington was a reminder of the tragic consequences that can occur when guns are not handled safely and when parents resort to violence to discipline their children. The jury’s verdict sends a clear message that these actions will not be tolerated and that those who commit such crimes will be held accountable..
