“Justice was served today.” Family, friends react to guilty verdict in Cpl. Hilliard murder trial

5/9 UPDATE: Sentencing for Austin Davidson has been scheduled for July 6th.

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WICOMICO COUNTY, Md. – Austin Davidson sits behind bars, convicted of killing Wicomico County Sheriff’s Corporal Glenn Hilliard in the line of duty in June of 2022. The jury delivered eleven separate guilty verdicts almost a year after prosecutors started building their case.

“I’m ecstatic. I’m absolutely pleased with the citizens of this community, our justice system, our State’s Attorney and her team, the Sheriff, who’s been by my side, my family, my Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office,” said Cpl. Hilliard’s widow, Tashica Hilliard Monday afternoon. “Justice was served today.”

Convicted on All Counts

Davidson is convicted of first degree murder, second degree murder, use of a firearm during the commission of a felony, loaded handgun on person, two counts of obliterating a firearm serial number, two counts of illegal possession of a regulated firearm by a prohibited person, and two counts of 4th degree burglary.

Wicomico County State’s Attorney Jamie Dykes, and Wicomico County Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Patrizia Coletta prosecuted the case. Throughout the trial, the pair wove a story of Davidson’s desperation to stay out of jail; repeatedly telling friends and associates that he would kill any law enforcement officer who tried to arrest him.

“Things don’t happen in a vacuum. It is that simple. The premeditation aspect, you don’t get to that if you don’t tell the story. I mean, honestly, if it wasn’t for all of the leading up to, we’ve had juries not convict on similar instances,” said Dykes. “We wanted the jury, we wanted the community, to know the full breadth of what happened here, and why it happened.”

“I know it doesn’t help the pain go away. But, one chapter of the book has been closed, and they can move on from here,” said Coletta. “[Cpl. Hilliard] gave his life for the citizens of Wicomico County. I’m sure his family is very proud of that we have this conviction; that the man who took [Cpl.] Hilliard’s life is now behind bars.”

“The jury got it right.”

Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis says he hopes the jury’s verdict brings closure to the Hilliard family, as well as their extended law enforcement family.

“We had faith the entire time the jury would do the right thing. I think the jury got it right on every single count,” said Sheriff Lewis. “It was calculated. It was premeditated. The accused put himself in a position along Gumboro Road in Pittsville, Maryland that night, where he could be easily seen, where he could be readily identified.”

Sheriff Lewis believes that Davidson “wanted to go out in the biggest way,” and was prepared to take on anyone who confronted him. Davidson’s actions leading up to, and on the night of, June 12th, 2022, left a crater in Wicomico County’s heart, says Sheriff Lewis.

A Deeply Personal Case

Dykes says this was the biggest case of her career, and deeply personal.

As she waited for the decision, along with the rest of the courtroom, Dykes said she was confident that the jurors would return a guilty verdict; thanking them Monday afternoon for being “committed in a way that jurors rarely are.”

“I always sort of hold my breath, because we have seen juries get it wrong. I have experienced juries getting it wrong. There was a relief, I suppose, to know that they listened to the evidence,” said Dykes. “I’m proud of all our law enforcement partners that showed up on the scene that night to help with the manhunt for this cop killer. I’m proud of the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit that devoted incredible resources to gathering evidence, presenting it to us, and I’m incredibly proud of my office for all the hands that came together to get us to today.”

The fight isn’t over yet, though, says Dykes. Davidson’s sentencing is likely two months away, she says, and a pre-sentencing investigation is still in order. Once sentencing is determined, Davidson could still appeal the case.

Emotions Also Tried

Tashica says she feels drained following the week-long trial; having to hear about over and over, and see video footage, of her husband’s last moments alive. Throughout the trial, Davidson showed little reaction to court proceedings and evidence; something Tashica says was very hard to watch.

“Don’t forget”

Cpl. Hilliard was a beloved law enforcement officer, and deeply involved in his community. The ultimate family man, and someone Wicomico County won’t soon forget, Tashica says Cpl. Hilliard would be proud to see his community pulling together to support his family, and each other.

Tashica says she never once felt alone over the last eleven months. And, she says that was because of the outpouring of support from the community that Cpl. Hilliard died serving, and loved so much.