A judge and jury will soon decide the fate of a man convicted of injuring a prison guard who later died.
Last week, Terrence Barnett was found guilty of murder in the death of Sergeant Ronnie Brown.
On Tuesday, Brown’s family spoke about their loss and what they feel Barnett’s punishment should be.
“Ronnie Brown was a wonderful workmate,” said Steve Lester with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. “A wonderful friend, mentor, husband, father, brother to all of us. I loved him. We all loved him and will miss him forever.”
Brown’s life ended when Barnett shoved him during a fight in the Polk County jail. Brown had back surgery because of the scuffle, and he passed from complications. At the time, Barnett was already serving 30 years in prison on unrelated murder charges. Brown’s death rocked his close-knit family.
“My life as I knew it changed forever,” said Ronnie’s wife. “I lost my husband, my best friend. Our kids lost their father.”
His wife told the jury her husband didn’t get to walk his daughter down the aisle, meet his grandchildren, or continue to entertain his family with his signature barbecue.
Barnett’s sister told the jury her brother’s family life and abusive upbringing is to blame. She's hoping that will get the jury will spare his life.
The jury will make a recommendation of life or death. Ultimately though, the judge will make the final decision.