A MAN convicted of fatally shooting a police officer in his home during a botched drive-by shooting will spend the rest of his life behind bars for the crime.
Demarcus Donnell Parker was found guilty on Tuesday in the 2018 shooting death of Officer Oliver Johnson, 25, in his Arkansas home, according to local station THV-11.
Demarcus Donnell Parker was given two life sentences for the shooting – plus 835 years behind bars.
Investigators said that Parker was firing his weapon from a vehicle toward rival gang members when a stray bullet entered Johnson’s home in April 2018.
Johnson lived in West Memphis and was employed as an officer with the Forrest City Police Department.
Parker was found guilty of first-degree murder, unlawful discharge of a firearm from a vehicle, six counts of attempted murder, and 15 counts of unlawful discharge of a firearm from a vehicle.
He was given life sentences for first-degree murder and unlawful discharge of a firearm charge, plus 30 years for each count of attempted murder and 20 years for each count of second-degree unlawful discharge of a firearm.
Parker was also hit with a 15-year enhancement for committing a felony with a firearm and a 10-year enhancement for committing felonies in the presence of a child.
The sentencing total adds up to two life sentences, plus 835 years – all to be served consecutively.
Speaking after the sentencing, prosecuting attorney Scott Ellington commended deputy prosecutors for working tirelessly to bring the case against Parker, and mourned the tragic loss of the young officer.
“Sadly, none of this will bring Officer Johnson back to his family,” he said, adding: “But maybe they will find some comfort that justice was served this week.”
Similar charges are pending against another defendant in the shooting, George Henderson, according to Fox News.
Henderson has pleaded not guilty.
