A jury found Damantae Graham, 19, guilty of aggravated murder, aggravated burglary, aggravated robbery and three counts of kidnapping in the Portage County Court of Common Pleas Thursday afternoon.

All six charges also included a specification with the use of a firearm, and all charges except aggravated murder are first-degree felonies.

Graham appeared before court facing charges following the February homicide of Kent State freshman Nicholas Massa at Ryan Place apartments.

Prosecutors told the jury a gunshot from Graham struck Massa as he sat on the couch with his hands raised. He said the gunman was not going to shoot, the Record-Courier reported.

In a previous court hearing, both witnesses claimed two of the three men in the apartment held them at gunpoint while searching the property for money and alleged drug paraphernalia. 

The three other suspects involved in the shooting are Marquis Grier, 18, Ty Kremling, 18 and Anton Planicka, 18.

One witness said he was relieved when the verdict came out.

Joe Massa, Massa’s father, said he was glad justice was served.

“(Massa) took a bullet that put this kid (Graham) in jail,” Joe said.

Graham is to appear for sentencing at the Portage County Court of Common Pleas on Tuesday at 8:30 a.m.

Skye McEowen is the print managing editor. Contact her at [email protected].