Michael Hetle and Javon Prather/Photo courtesy of People
Michael Hetle was found guilty of the murder of Javon Prather, his neighbor, after he shot him over minor misunderstandings.
In March 2020, Hetle killed Prather after having had common neighborhood disputes over loud music and barking dogs, reported WTAP. Hetle, a former officer, had lodged several complaints against the victim with the police, but the problems persisted.
Six months before the incident, Prather was
seen in surveillance video driving by Hetle’s home and shouting at him.Initially, Hetle claimed that he feared for his life and believed Prather to be a dangerous individual. His attorney asserted that he did not know Prather was unarmed and that others in the neighborhood felt he was aggressive and violent.
However, at the trial, jurors were shown surveillance footage where Prather knocked on the defendant’s door, and without a word, Hetle answered the door and immediately shot his neighbor.
In total, Hetle, 52, shot Prather, 24, seven times. The first four shots were at point-blank range. He then shot him twice in the back as he tumbled down the porch stairs and then shot him once more as he lay in the driveway.
Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano said that racial animus was a factor in the murder. The former cop had no bona fide reason to claim self-defense when the surveillance demonstrated differently.
“Being able to actually show the jury what happened and actually being able to show the demeanor and the seven shots I think really brought home to the jury the malice of getting this first-degree murder conviction,” Descano said.
The defendant was found guilty of first-degree murder and using a weapon in the commission of a felony.
Hetle’s sentencing is slated for Jan. 28, 2022, and Descano is seeking a life sentence.