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Jury Finds Christines Guilty
A jury found the Christines guilty of robbery, custodial interference and
unlawful use for allegedly taking their children at gunpoint from state child
welfare workers They were found innocent of kidnapping.
The ten-member jury took less than 3 hours to reach their verdict.
The Christines -- both 29 -- face minimum prison sentences of 7.5 years.
Brian Christine will face an additional 5 years for pointing a gun at welfare
workers last summer when he took his 3 daughters after a supervised visit.
The state had taken custody of the girls the year before because they
appeared malnourished and dehydrated.
The girls were ages 2, 3 and 5 at the time.
Authorities caught up with the family in Montana several days later.
Brian and Ruth Christine could both be sentenced to 10 years each in jail for
the robbery convictions they received today. The convictions are Measure 11
offenses.
The jury reached the verdict after hearing the last bit of testimony today
along with the closing arguments.
A prosecutor urged jurors Friday to convict Brian and Ruth Christine of
robbery and kidnapping, saying the couple had numerous legal opportunities to
regain custody of their children but instead chose to take them at gunpoint.
Before the panel began deliberations, defense attorney Edgar Steele tearfully
implored them not to put his clients in prison with "real criminals."
Circuit Court Judge William Lasswell set sentencing for May 28.
The Christines showed no emotion as the verdict was read; however, Ruth
Christine started sobbing and breathing heavily when discussing the sentence
with defense attorney Edgar Steele.
Brian Christine tried to comfort his wife, who was sitting next to him, but
was stopped by a deputy. Ruth Christine then turned to her mother-in-law, Teri
Christine, and other supporters and said: "I love you guys."
ROSEBURG - Brian and Ruth Christine were
found guilty of the main charges against them Friday, and the presiding judge
revoked Ruth Christine's bail, sending her back to jail.