EX-OFFICER IS GUILTY IN 2ND MURDER TRIAL

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, January 30, 1993                   TAG: 9301300175
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: A-5   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WINCHESTER                                LENGTH: Short
EX-OFFICER IS GUILTY IN 2ND MURDER TRIAL
Former Lexington police officer Jerry R. Knick has been convicted a second time in the shooting death of his wife.
A Circuit Court jury from Winchester deliberated about five hours Thursday before convicting Knick of second-degree murder for killing his wife, Lisa, 34, on Sept. 29, 1990.
The jury gave Knick, 35, a 10-year prison sentence. A sentencing date was not immediately set.
A Rockbridge County Circuit Court jury had convicted Knick in August 1991 and also recommended a 10-year term.
But the Virginia Court of Appeals threw out the original conviction in September. The appeals court said testimony by Knick's ex-wife that he had threatened her with his gun should not have been allowed in the trial.
Knick served about a year in prison on the original conviction and will receive credit for time served. Authorities said that if the jury's sentence is upheld, Knick should be eligible for parole in less than two years.
Prosecutors said Knick shot his wife in a rage over marital problems and after finding her at the couple's home with a fellow police officer.
The defense said Knick drew his gun just to scare her and the weapon accidentally went off when she grabbed it.
After the verdict was read, Knick tearfully told Judge G.E. Honts III he had been truthful when he testified that the shooting was an accident.
"I'm sorry about Lisa," Knick said. "I wish I could bring her back."

by Bhavesh Jinadra by CNB