Life sentence for man convicted in Ohio policeman’s slaying

AKRON, Ohio (AP) — A jury recommended life in prison with no chance of parole for a man convicted of aggravated murder in the shooting of an off-duty Ohio policeman at a bar.

Jurors in Akron who convicted Kenan Ivery reached their decision Friday night after hearing more testimony in the sentencing phase.

The jury chose life over the death penalty for Ivery, who had pleaded to be spared. A judge will formally sentence Ivery Nov. 3.

Prosecutors say Ivery shot officer Justin Winebrenner and wounded four more people last November after returning to an Akron bar where he’d been kicked out earlier.

Ivery testified at trial that he returned to the bar after being kicked out to retrieve food he had left, and that he fired in self-defense after being surrounded by Winebrenner and several other men. In court Friday, Ivery said he’s “not a monster.”

Prosecutors contended Ivery went to his car, got a gun and returned seeking vengeance.

Ivery, 36, apologized to Winebrenner’s family during a four-minute statement before the jury’s decision was announced.

“My condolences go out to you guys, and my family feels the same way,” Ivery said. “It comes from my heart.”

He also told jurors he’s “no saint” and asked them to save his life.