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Saturday, May 18, 2013 | 4:50 a.m.

Updated: 9:27 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 30, 2010 | Posted: 6:49 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2010

Emotions Erupt After Road Rage Verdict

OHIO COUNTY, W.Va. —

An Ohio County jury found a Rayland man guilty on two of five charges in connection to a triple-fatal crash on Interstate 70.

The jury found David Hancher-Palmer guilty on one count of malicious wounding for trying to hurt the driver, 29-year-old Justin Wright, and causing the crash that killed Wright in January.

The jury also convicted Hancher-Palmer of one count of leaving the scene of the deadly crash.

But prosecutors couldn't prove Hancher-Palmer intended to hurt Wright's three passengers, and when a jury found him not guilty on three malicious assault counts, emotions erupted in the courtroom.

As a result of the verdict, Hancher-Palmer faces no consequences for the deaths of Brittney Lynn Kusic and Steven Carpenter, nor for the injuries of the only survivor, Ashley Wright, who is Justin Wright's sister.

Defense attorney Kevin Neiswonger and prosecutor Joe Barki took different sides to this tragedy, but both said they hope the families can heal.

"This was a very emotional case," said Neiswonger. "Both families involved were very emotional throughout the case. They probably needed closure and hopefully both families can move forward."

Barki said, "I feel sorry for the victims' families in this case, but hopefully everybody can get some closure at this point and try to heal a little bit and move on with their lives."

Hancher-Palmer is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 2. Stay with NEWS9, WTOV9.com and WTOV9.com Mobile for continuing coverage.

Previous Stories: September 29, 2010: Jury Gets Case Of Man Charged In Triple-Fatal Crash September 28, 2010: Lone Survivor Testifies Against Man Accused Of Causing Triple-Fatal Crash September 27, 2010: Trial Begins In Connection With Fatal Road Rage Crash May 11, 2010: Rayland Man Indicted In Fatal Crash February 4, 2010: Father Of Man Charged In Fatal I-70 Crash Turns Himself In February 3, 2010: Treatment Center Director Speaks Out After Fatal Crash February 2, 2010: Police: Ongoing Feud May Have Led To Triple-Fatal Road Rage Crash February 2, 2010: Police Issue Warrant For Father Of Man Charged In Fatal I-70 Crash February 2, 2010: 3 Dead After Road Rage Crash January 31, 2010: Road Rage Suspected In Deadly Crash On I-70

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