Convicted cop killer takes stand in attempt to dodge death penalty

AKRON, Ohio - The man convicted last week of aggravated murder in the shooting death of a Twinsburg police officer has taken the stand in his own defense to try to avoid the death penalty.

Ashford Thompson's mitigation hearing started Thursday morning in an Akron courtroom.

He was found guilty of all nine counts against him in connection with officer Josh Miktarian's death, including another aggravated murder charge for fleeing after committing the crime.

During the reading of the verdict, Thompson sat with his arms crossed while the verdict was read, showing no emotion on his face. He didn't take the stand during the actual trial.

The same jury that returned Thursday's verdict will decide the outcome of the mitigation hearing. They did not come to a verdict on sentencing and will return Friday morning.