Man convicted for Easter Sunday murder of ex-wife
SALISBURY, Md. – “It’s kind of like closure. It’s just closure now,” said family friend, Tim Revels.
After a little less than an hour and a half of deliberations, the verdict was in. Jameal Gould was found guilty, on all but one charge, of first and second-degree murder in the shooting of his ex-wife, Erica Gould.
“We are very pleased with the jury’s verdict. It was clear that they took a lot of time and consideration they rendered a fair and appropriate verdict,” said Deputy State’s Attorney for Wicomico County, William McDermott.
The two-day trial consisted of emotional testimonies and bone-chilling 9-1-1 calls from what the state called an ‘Easter execution’.
“It was very emotional when they played the 9-1-1 call. I think everybody in the courthouse cried, people had to leave,” said Revels.
Now, Gould could potentially face a life sentence without the possibility of parole. An outcome that some family members and friends of Erica, are happy to hear.
“Everybody is happy with the verdict and now, I guess, they can go on with their lives because it’s been postponed so many times,” said Revels.
But for others, the verdict still doesn’t make the loss of a loved one any easier.
“I’m still hurting in my heart, and am just overwhelmed by the whole process. It’s been a long two years. We’re just going to take it one day at a time. That’s all I can say. One day at a time,” said family friend, Robin Austin.
The only charge that Gould was found not guilty of was attempted first-degree murder. Gould is currently being held without bond. A mandatory pre-sentence investigation has been ordered. And a sentencing hearing is expected to take place within 60-90 days.
Gould was found guilty of the following charges:
- First-degree murder
- Second-degree Murder
- Attempted second-degree murder
- First-degree assault
- Firearm possession by a prohibited person
- Two counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence
