Officer Amy Caprio Murder Trial: Jury Rules On Dawnta Harris Fate

TOWSON, MD — A jury has reportedly found a Baltimore teen guilty in the death of a Baltimore County police officer. Officer Amy Caprio died on May 21, 2018, at the age of 29. Autopsy results indicated her death was a homicide due to traumatic injuries from being hit by a Jeep, police said.

The driver of the vehicle, Dawnta Harris, 17, was on trial for first-degree murder and other offenses, including burglary, related to Caprio's death.

Attorneys delivered closing arguments on Tuesday, April 30, a week after the trial began.

The jury found Harris guilty of felony murder on Wednesday, May 1, The Baltimore Sun reported.

He was also found guilty of one count of first-degree burglary and theft of the Jeep, according to WBAL, which said he was found not guilty on another count of first-degree burglary and one count of fourth-degree burglary.

Sentencing for Harris will take place on Tuesday, July 23, the news station reported.

"My heartfelt condolences and prayers remain with Officer Amy Caprio’s family. The past couple of weeks have undoubtedly been difficult for Amy’s family, friends, and co-workers at the Baltimore County Police Department," Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski said in a statement Wednesday morning. "I thank the jurors who listened to the testimony, examined the evidence, and rendered their verdict. While this does not bring back Officer Caprio, justice has been delivered. I want to again thank Officer Caprio for her commitment to the people of Baltimore County and I want to thank her family for sharing her with us. I pray daily for the safety of our men and women in law enforcement."

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Police said Caprio was in Perry Hall that afternoon responding to a call about a suspicious Jeep and people burglarizing houses.

Harris, of the 1600 block of Vincent Court, was indicted on 19 charges along with three other teens. The charges ranged from first-degree murder to theft less than $100. According to the indictments, they were involved in break-ins in Perry Hall homes, stealing items from a bag of Cheetos to a handgun.

While prosecutors said that Harris participated in two burglaries and was the getaway driver, his attorneys said he had been riding in the back of the Jeep and was unaware of the crimes, WMAR reported.

This is a developing story and will be updated.