Man to spend 5 years in jail after he was found guilty in Campbell County Christmas murder case

Michael Langford, Carlton Stratton got into a fight on Christmas night

LYNCHBURG, Va.UPDATE

A 41-year-old man will spend five years in prison after he was found guilty in connection with a deadly Christmas shooting at a mobile home park in Campbell County.  

Langford and Carlton Stratton got into a fight on Christmas night, according to prosecutors. Langford then reportedly shot and killed Stratton. 

The jury found Michael Langford guilty of voluntary manslaughter at court in Lynchburg Thursday. He was not found guilty of the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. 

Stratton's mom, sister and cousin took the stand to talk about him and the impact his death has had on their family. 

Langford also tool the stand, saying he regrets that night and that he didn't know Stratton or why Stratton chose to swing at him. Through tears, Langford said he's been torn since that night because Stratton had kids, and he knows what it's like to lose someone. 

Prosecutors say Langford was convicted of voluntary manslaughter in 2003 in Lynchburg after he reportedly got in a fistfight with a man who later died from falling and hitting his head. Langford served six months in jail for the incident. 

ORIGINAL STORY

The trial for a 41-year-old man charged in connection with a deadly Christmas shooting at a mobile home park in Campbell County began Wednesday.

Michael Lee Langford is on trial for second-degree murder and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony after Carlton Stratton was shot and killed last Christmas.

The jury consists of five men and seven women.
 
During the trial, Langford's attorney argued that his client was acting in self-defense when he shot Stratton.

Langford's attorney also discussed Stratton's tattoos, which are associated with the white supremacist prison gang, the Aryan Brotherhood.

Furthermore, the defense discussed Stratton having meth and other drugs in his system at the time of his death. 

During the trial, Campbell County investigators, as well as Roanoke medical examiner Amy Tharp, testified.

After both sides finished with closing statements, at 4:20 p.m., the jury began deliberating.

At 6 p.m., the jury was sent home. It will resume its deliberations at 8:55 a.m. Thursday.