A Richmond County jury found a disabled veteran guilty of lesser offenses Friday in the 2021 slaying of Raven Fulton.
The jury deliberated from mid-Wednesday till Friday afternoon before finding Peter James Berkery, 41, guilty of two lesser-included offenses of voluntary manslaughter in the death of Fulton, 21.
Represented by attorney Pete Theodocian, Berkery was under indictment for malice murder and felony murder for killing the Warrenton man. The incident took place at Castle Pines Mobile Home Park on Aug. 31, 2021.
Fulton was helping his mother evict Berkery from their trailer at the park, according to trial testimony.
Fulton’s brother, Joseph, testified he met Berkery through his best friend’s mother and had offered him a temporary place to live.
The family asked Berkery to leave after he began making threats to shoot up the home, according to prior reports.
In days leading up to the killing, Berkery began phoning death threats to several family members, according to trial testimony.
The victim’s family was not in the courtroom Friday when the verdict was read. Chief Assistant District Attorney Kevin Davis said he’d like time to speak with them before Berkery is sentenced.
Superior Court Judge John Flythe said he will sentence Berkery Tuesday.
Berkery, who had a record of shoplifting, had claimed self-defense. He said he’d backed up over 500 feet from Fulton and fired two warning shots. But Fulton, who was unarmed, continued to advance on him, he said.
Berkery has been in jail without bond since his arrest at the scene. Voluntary manslaughter carries a sentence of 1-20 years. The jury found Berkery not guilty of possessing a firearm while committing a felony.
The Army veteran served two combat tours, reports said.
