LYNCHBURG, Va. (BTW21) — A verdict has been reached in the high-profile murder trial of Caleb Spinner, who was charged in the killing of Trevor Weeks at a Dollar General on Boonsboro Road in Lynchburg in July 2022. After a three-day jury trial, the panel deliberated for about three and a half hours before returning a verdict of guilty on charges of voluntary manslaughter and two firearms-related offenses.
The prosecution, led by Commonwealth's Attorney Bethany Harrison, expressed disappointment with the outcome.
Harrison argued that the evidence pointed to a more severe charge of second-degree murder, citing the nature of the crime, which involved the victim, Trevor Weeks, being shot six times.
Harrison emphasized that the defendant continued to shoot Weeks even as he fell to the ground, describing the actions as an instance of "overkill."
"We are disappointed. We believe this was a second-degree murder case, based on the overkill of Trevor Weeks," Harrison said after the verdict. "The family is certainly disappointed as well, and they too believe this was second-degree murder.
We stand by the jury verdict. When we have the sentencing in July, we believe the victims will have something to say to round out the picture of who Trevor Weeks was."
On the other side, the defense team, represented by Brad Lindsay, Deputy Public Defender for the City of Lynchburg, highlighted the distinction made by the jury in their decision.
Lindsay noted that while the trial was long and the situation tragic for all parties involved, the jury found that Spinner did not act with malice—a key factor in the verdict.
"While there are no winners, the jury's verdict draws an important distinction," Lindsay said. "Obviously, this was a very long trial. There really is no winner in this case; it is tragic all around. I do think what is very important about the jury's verdict today is that they found that Mr. Spinner did not act with malice that day. The evidence was overwhelming that Mr. Spinner did not act with malice."
The trial has been one of intense emotion, with both the prosecution and defense presenting compelling arguments and evidence.
Spinner's sentencing is scheduled for July, where the victim’s family and other parties will have the opportunity to address the court.
As the case concludes, the legal community and local residents will continue to grapple with the events surrounding the tragic shooting at the Dollar General nearly three years ago.
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