SAN DIEGO — A man who was on trial for stabbing two San Diego firefighters was convicted of two counts of attempted voluntary manslaughter but acquitted of more serious attempted murder charges.
NBC San Diego reported in addition to the manslaughter charges, the jury also found Ryan Allen Jones guilty of assault with a deadly weapon and battery. Jones was accused of stabbing firefighters Alex Wallbrett and Ben Vernon as they attempted to help to a drunk man at a trolley station last June.
The jury deliberated for nearly three days.
Jones claimed he was trying to help the firefighters treat the drunk man when a fire captain pushed him over a bench, causing him to fall and hit his head. When he got up, Jones said he was confused and surrounded by officers who pepper sprayed him. Jones said he feared he was going to be beaten when he stabbed the firefighters.
The prosecutor disputed Jones’ account and said surveillance video of the incident showed he never hit his head before attacking the firefighters.
The two firefighters testified in front of the jury last week. Vernon said he rushed to Wallbrett’s aid after Jones began stabbing him. Jones then stabbed Vernon several times.
Jones showed no emotion as the verdicts were read. He will be sentenced April 22.