Michael Lee guilty of capital murder

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - On Saturday in Judge John Lockett's courtroom, Michael Lee learned his fate, exactly 26 months to the day after Kyser Miree was found shot in the head.

A jury of 12 deliberated for a total of nine hours between two days and they found Lee guilty of capital murder; the verdict was read at around 12:15 p.m. June 16.

Prosecutors say on April 16, 2010, Lee and three other men forced their way into Miree's Midtown home to attempt to rob him. The men allegedly shot Miree in the head during that robbery. He was rushed to USA Medical Center but died from his injuries.

Prosecutors Lee shot Miree execution style.

His defense has maintained that it was an accident, but on Saturday the jurors charged him for the crime.

As the verdict was read, Lee showed no emotion. At some points, he turned around to look at his family.

Kyser's mother, Kathryn Miree, cried after the announcement was made.

The family did not talk to reporters, but Kyser's father Ben Miree released a short statement to Fox10 News- “There would not be any joy, no matter the verdict."

But we did speak with Prosecutor Jill Phillips.

Phillips said, "We are very pleased with the jury's verdict and we are now preparing for the penalty phase of the trial."

On Monday, the same jury will decide whether Lee should receive life without parole or the death penalty.

Lee's co-defendants, who face the same charge are Bo Taylor, Jamal Lang and Earnest Wiggins. They will all face trial at a later date.

The court will reconvene at 9 a.m. Monday.

FOX10 News Reporter John Rogers will be there to bring you the details.