Man Spared Death Penalty In Woodbridge Double Murder

WOODBRIDGE, VA—The man who killed his wife and a rookie Prince William County police officer in 2016 was sentenced Thursday to life in prison without parole by Judge Steven Smith. The jury of 10 women and two men deadlocked 6-6 on whether to impose the death sentence.

The capital murder trial began more than a month ago, and included emotional testimony from both sides. Hamilton, a former Army staff sergeant, was convicted last month on 17 charges, one of which was dismissed on a technicality.

Shortly after 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 27, 2016, police went to a home in the 13000 block of Lashmere Court for a reported domestic dispute. As they approached the front door, Hamilton opened fire, striking three officers. All three officers were critically injured and taken to Inova Fairfax Hospital for treatment. Just before 11 p.m., police announced that one of the officers shot in the incident died as a result of her injuries.

She was identified as 28-year-old Ashley Guindon, who was patrolling her first night after being sworn in. The other two officers were identified as Jesse Hempen, 31, with the department for more than eight years, and David McKeown, 33, a 10-year veteran.

When police searched the home, they found the body of Crystal Hamilton, 29, Hamilton's wife. They were involved in an argument earlier in the day that turned physical. She was able to contact police but was shot and killed by Hamilton before officers arrived.

After the verdict, Hamilton's father, Ronald W. Hamilton, told the Washington Post he was relieved his son received life and not the alternative: "We are pleased that the jury did not hand down a death sentence. We continue to pray for the families of the victims, the police officers, and the entire community."

On the other hand, Guindon's mother, Sharon Guindon, told WRC/channel 4 she was extremely disappointed: "The jury got it wrong. It's horrendous. It goes very deep. I wanted justice for her."

Photo: Prince William County Police