OTTAWA–After deliberating for almost 6 hours, a jury has returned with a verdict of guilty of Second Degree Murder against 44 year-old John Balbirnie of Ottawa. Balbirnie was convicted of stabbing Paul Nicholson to death last July 28 at the conclusion of a series of fights at 217 S. Locust. Balbirnie was originally charged with First Degree Murder, but complying with their instructions, the jury apparently decided there was not the Premeditation required for a finding of First Degree Murder, but the killing was Intentional, the element required for Second Degree Murder. Sentencing is set for May 9 at 3:00.
Thursday, Apr. 14, 6:15 pm
