Riley Bryan Found Guilty of First-Degree Murder

Nearly two years after the murder and two trials later, was found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of Donald Price, 52, on November 7, 2009 in Gulfport. Bryan shot Price once in the head, killing him on scene.

On Friday May, 27, 2011, Bryan was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Earlier this year, Bryan faced a trial but the jury could not reach a verdict; it resulted in a hung jury.

Around 6:45 p.m. Friday night, jurors said they reached a verdict. The guilty verdict came after nearly 5 hours of deliberation and four days of what was originally slated to be a three-day retrial.

Before the sentencing, Bryan told Judge Philip Federico, "I was just trying to protect myself. . . I'm sorry it happened. . . I ain't gonna live that much longer anyway."

Defense Attorneys Jenna Finkelstein and Amanda Sellers left in tears and had nothing to say in regards to the outcome. State Attorney David Tobiassen told Gulfport Patch, "It's sad all around," before leaving the courtroom.

Bryan has 30 days to appeal the verdict.