Spokane – Today, James A. McDevitt, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that a jury has found Norman Ford, age 31, guilty in connection with the murder of Gary Ray Flett, Jr., age 20. Norman Ford has remained in custody since his arrest on July 13, 2006. Sentencing has been set for May 23, 2008.

The jury deliberated over the course of six days following a two-week jury trial and returned guilty verdicts as to first degree murder and first degree burglary, for unlawfully entering Gary Flett’s residence and participating in his murder on June 1, 2006, on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Joey Moses, age 24, earlier pleaded guilty to first degree murder and using a firearm during a crime of violence and has been detained since his arrest June 6, 2006. Norman Ford was acquitted of using a firearm.

James A. McDevitt, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, stated, “The two individuals responsible for this senseless crime have been brought to justice. Our law enforcement partners are to be commended for the countless hours they spent unraveling this complex investigation.”

A conviction for first degree murder carries a penalty of life in prison and up to a $250,000 fine. A conviction for first degree burglary carries a penalty of up to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and up to 5 years of court supervision after release.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. These cases are being prosecuted by Jared Kimball, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.