Hayes scheduled to be sentenced February 27th
PORT HURON -- More than Twenty-one months after the death of Dominick Calhoun, family members say justice was served inside a St. Clair County courtroom Thursday afternoon.
After just two hours of deliberations, a jury found Brandon Hayes guilty on all ten counts, including first degree felony murder, second degree felony murder and torture.
The 28-year-old was also convicted of various counts of child abuse and drug possession, in connection to the April 2010 beating death of the four-year-old Calhoun.
Hayes stared straight ahead as the verdict was read, and showed very little emotion as he was taken out of the court in handcuffs.
"Justice one, Brandon zero. That's what I gotta say," screamed Rick Calhoun, Dominick's grandfather, as he left the courthouse.
Rick is spearheading the push for new legislation that will toughen penalties for people convicted of child abuse.
"Dominick's Law' has yet to be passed in the state legislature, although Rick says the bill is gaining support.
Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton, who did not try the case, released a statement to the media Thursday night.
"We're gratified by the jury's decision and feel it is justice for Dominick," wrote Prosecutor Leyton.
Hayes is tentatively scheduled to be sentenced on February 27th, and will likely spend the rest of his life in prison.
