PROVO, Utah — After deliberating for a second day, a jury has found Conrad Truman guilty in connection with the murder of his wife, who was found in the couple’s home with a gunshot wound to her head in 2012.
A jury found Truman guilty of murder and obstruction of justice, which are first and second-degree felonies respectively. The jury deliberated for about 7 hours Tuesday and about 8 hours Wednesday before announcing the verdict.
Truman, 32, was charged in connection with the 2012 murder of his wife, Heidy Truman, who was found inside the couple’s home with a gunshot wound to her head.
Heidy’s family hugged the prosecution team following the verdict. They said it wasn’t an expression of joy, but a sense of relief.
“I thank God that it’s over, this has been a two-year journey and it’s so hard. We knew that the truth had to come through,” said Janet Wagner, Heidy’s mother.
“I’m so thankful to everyone, thank you so much, thank you for everything that everybody saw and the truth was seen today,” said Amanda Wagner, Heidy’s sister.
Prosecutors stated they believed Heidy Truman could only have died due to a suicide or a homicide. Conrad told investigators he and his wife had been drinking alcohol and watching TV that night, and he said about 20 minutes after his wife went to take a bath he heard a gunshot. He said he tried to provide medical aid at that time.
The defense stated they believe Heidy Truman may have slipped and fell while holding the couple’s handgun, which they said then discharged.
Attorney’s for both sides agreed that the decision for Conrad Truman to take the stand may have been a turning point in this case.
“That was something I used in my closing argument, to build the frame-work of what I was telling the jury, to set that up against the inconsistencies he said to others, so that was very helpful in our mind,” said Craig Johnson, Deputy Utah County Attorney.
“He had to answer some questions and obviously the statements that he made over a period of time hurt him, I think, in the eyes of the jury,” said Defense Attorney Ronald Yengich.
Yengich shared his client’s thoughts following the verdict.
“Didn’t feel that they had enough evidence to convict him because he didn’t do it, and that’s what he said basically–those exact words,” Yengich said.
Heidy Truman’s family still acknowledged that no verdict would bring her back.
“Nobody wins in this, we both have lost,” Amanda Wagner said.
The family also said it was Heidy’s memory that allowed them, day after day, to sit through this case.
“We will gain strength and always go forward and be strong, her love is what carries us, she inspired us always,” Janet Wagner said.
Conrad Truman is scheduled to be sentenced on December 15. He faces 15 years to life in prison on the murder charge and one to 15 years on the obstruction charge.
