PORT ANGELES — A jury has found Scott L. Davis guilty of first-degree attempted murder and first-degree assault for shooting Clallam County Sheriff’s Deputy Bill Cortani — and hitting him twice — at a West End cabin in January 2009.
Davis will be sentenced on Sept. 2 in Clallam County Superior Court.
Davis, 60, showed no emotion as Judge Ken Williams read the verdict out loud. The jury deliberated all day today and came to a decision as the courthouse was closing at about 4:30 p.m.
Defense attorney Harry Gasnick said he was “grossly disappointed” by the verdict.
Gasnick had argued that the retired Army major was legally insane when he shot Cortani in the left arm and hip.
Deb Kelly, Clallam County Prosecuting Attorney, maintained that Davis was capable enough to know the difference between right and wrong.
“The jury was thoughtful and careful in reaching their decision and it is clear they understood the instructions on legal responsibility,” Kelly said.
“The verdict represents their further understanding that an armed assault on a law enforcement officer in Clallam County is not only an offense against that officer, it is an offense against all citizens of this county.”
