Crime & Safety

Guilty: Jury Convicts Fujita of First-Degree Murder

A jury of 12 men and women deliberated for a little more than seven hours before reaching a guilty verdict.

 

Nathaniel Fujita stood stoically with his head hung down as the jury foreman read the verdict Wednesday morning.

"Guilty" of first-degree murder.

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Behind the defendant, his mother, Beth Fujita, began to weep.

But tears flowed from the left side of the courtroom as well, as the parents of Lauren Astley, the 18-year-old woman Fujita murdered in July 2011, learned that he would be held accountable for taking their daughter's life.

Find out what's happening in Westonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

As the verdict was read, Prosecutor Lisa McGovern turned to Astley's parents and met their eyes.

In the state of Massachusetts, Fujita now faces an automatic sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The foreman then read the verdicts for the other three charges Fujita faced:

  • Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon -- Guilty
  • Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon -- Guilty
  • Assault and battery -- Guilty

Judge Peter Lauriat thanked jurors for their service and scheduled a sentencing hearing for noon today.

McGovern wrapped her arms around parents Mary Dunne, of Weston, and Malcolm Astley, whispering quietly to them as the tears flowed freely from members of the Fujita family on the other side of the courtroom.

Before walking out, Malcolm Astley went to Tomo and Beth Fujita and embraced them.

Statements from Malcolm Astley and Dunne are expected later today. Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone is also expected to speak.


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