‘It’s justice’: Man found guilty in murder of off-duty Pittsburgh police officer Calvin Hall

PITTSBURGH — The man accused of fatally shooting an off-duty Pittsburgh police officer has been found guilty.

After just one day of deliberations, the jury decided that Christian Bey, the man accused of killing off-duty Pittsburgh Police Officer Calvin Hall, was guilty of murder in the first along with other gun charges.

Man found guilty in murder of off-duty Pittsburgh police officer Calvin Hall

Throughout this case, prosecutors insisted that Officer Hall was attempting to be the peacemaker when a block party in Homewood turned rowdy.

They said he interjected to diffuse the situation, but was instead shot in his back three times.

Jurors on Thursday agreed with the prosecution and found Bey guilty of first-degree murder, possession of a firearm without a license, possession of a gun with an altered manufacture number, and a person not to possess a firearm.

Previous coverage: Mistrial declared in case of man accused of shooting and killing off-duty Pittsburgh police officer

Officer Hall’s family spoke with Channel 11 News following the verdict, and said they are relieved justice was finally served.

“It’s been a long four years, it’s been a hard battle, but justice has prevailed and we’re thankful that the evidence showed the truth in this matter. You know we all miss Calvin dearly and this is justice for him,” said Curtis Washington, Hall’s father.

Hall’s cousin, Lindsay, described him as a good person who always wanted to help others.

“He was a great person, kind person, he loved his family. He loved his job and taking care of people,” said Lindsay Hall.

“I hope, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police hopes, that his verdict brings a measure of justice to his family and friends,” Acting Assistant Chief of Operations for the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Christopher Ragland said.

The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police released a statement following Thursday’s verdict:

“The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Violent Crime Unit, which was responsible for investigating the homicide of Officer Calvin Hall, accept the guilty verdict in this case and acknowledge the jury’s time and dedication during this process.

While detectives investigate all homicides with the same level of rigor and attention, Calvin Hall was a colleague and a friend, so this investigation and trial have been emotional for many who worked alongside him.

The Bureau hopes the verdict and conviction bring Calvin Hall’s family a measure of justice and closure.”

Channel 11 News also spoke to Bey’s defense attorney, Carmen Robinson, who expressed that her team was unhappy with the investigation of the case along with the case’s proceedings.

“I’m sure we’ll be appealing,” Robinson said.

Robinson said they are weighing all their options moving forward.

“I don’t feel the defense was able to put their case on. I believe we were denied a full opportunity to push back,” Robinson said. “I just don’t believe the Pittsburgh Police should have been able to investigate this case.”

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