Penalties and potential years in prison Matthew Brown could get for shooting Neil Decker

Before hearing closing arguments yesterday, on the very last day of the trial, a juror was unwell and an alternate sat in right before final jury instructions and closing arguments. That juror was also elected the foreman.

Matthew Brown was convicted of California Penal Code 187 of second-degree murder, according to California law, he faces 15 years-to-life in the state prison. There are special circumstances that can enhance his sentence. Brown can get an additional 10, 20 or 25-years to life in prison since he personally used a firearm during the commission of the murder and that was one of the special allegations charged. He also caused great bodily injury by personally and intentionally discharging the firearm in the shooting of Neil Decker.

We will have to wait for sentencing to know the outcome.

Link to definition of murder, degrees of murder, voluntary manslaughter, self-defense and penalties:

http://www.shouselaw.com/murder.html