Jury finds Christopher Monfort guilty of killing Seattle police officer

SEATTLE -- Christopher Monfort has been found guilty of killing a Seattle police officer on Halloween night in 2009.

Superior Court jurors reached a unanimous verdict Thursday in the trial of Christopher Monfort, who pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to charges, including aggravated murder, in the shooting of Seattle police officer Timothy Brenton.

The decision was announced Friday morning. The jury will decide between life in prison or the death penalty. The penalty phase of the trial begins on June 16. If no mitigating factors are found, he will be sentenced to death.

Monfort has also been found guilty attempted murder and arson. He was found not guilty on another attempted murder charge.

Monfort showed little emotion as the verdict was read. However, upon leaving the courtroom, Monfort apologized to the family of Timothy Brenton.

"I'm sorry for the family loss and the mother and the children," Monfort said.

The jury got the case Monday after four months of testimony.

The Seattle Times says jurors asked for copies of a report by a defense psychologist, for doctor’s notes from Monfort interviews and for a psychiatric evaluation of Monfort.

The defense claims Monfort is delusional and believed his actions were a way to end police brutality. Prosecutors say he is sane and aware his actions were wrong.

Monfort was wounded by police about a week after the shooting during his arrest in Tukwila. He is paralyzed from the waist down and confined to a wheelchair.

Seattle Police Chief Kathllen O'Toole released a statement following the court's decision, saying for nearly six years, family and colleagues of Brenton have awaited justice.

""I hope the verdict today brings some comfort to Tim's loved ones and close SPD friends," O'Toole said.

This story is breaking and will be updated as more information becomes available.